Is prior mountaineering experience required?

No prior experience is necessary, but participants should be in good physical shape and prepared for alpine environments.

What should I bring for the course?

Guides provide technical gear; participants should bring layered clothing, water, and personal essentials.

Lunch and snacks are typically included; check with the operator for specific details.

What if I have fear of heights?

Guides are experienced and support all participants through challenging sections, ensuring safety and comfort.

Can I join if I have no glacier travel experience?

Yes—this course is designed for beginners and covers foundational skills.

What are the best weather months?

Typically winter and early spring, when glaciers are accessible and snowpack is stable.

Ice Climbing & Glacier Tours with Colorado Climbing Company

Colorado's stunning Rocky Mountains serve as a gateway to high-altitude adventure, and the Colorado Climbing Company offers a distinctive experience in glacier travel and crevasse rescue training. Over two intense days, participants from all skill levels can develop essential mountaineering skills amidst some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the United States. The course covers gear selection, crampon techniques, ice axe use, and crevasse rescue, providing the confidence needed for icy adventures and high-altitude climbs. The Colorado Climbing Company operates in the heart of Colorado’s rugged terrain, where towering peaks and glistening glaciers define the landscape. What sets this trip apart is its accessibility combined with technical mastery. Whether you're a beginner eager to break into mountaineering or an experienced climber polishing your rescue skills, this program adapts to your needs. You'll train under expert guides whose knowledge and passion for the mountains inspire confidence. The journey includes traversing crevassed glaciers, a feature unique to the Colorado alpine environment—think deep blue cracks slicing through expansive ice fields. The natural surroundings feature rugged rock formations and ice formations that change with the seasons, creating a backdrop that is both formidable and breathtaking. Participants leave the course with newfound skills, a sense of accomplishment, and a deeper appreciation for Colorado’s glaciated peaks. The experience also provides valuable insights into environmental stewardship; guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles and responsible glacier travel. For adventure seekers ready to elevate their mountaineering game, the Colorado Climbing Company offers a chance to engage with Colorado’s majestic wilderness in a safe, structured setting that balances challenge and awe. Whether planning for future ice climbs or simply craving an unforgettable alpine adventure, this program is a standout choice in Colorado’s outdoor scene, combining education, adrenaline, and spectacular scenery into one all-encompassing journey.

Difficulty

challenging.

Duration

2 days.

Fitness level

Participants should be in good physical condition with basic fitness levels suitable for alpine terrain.

Wildlife

Mountain goats
Snowshoe hares

History

Colorado's glaciers shaped the rugged terrain over thousands of years, and the state boasts some of the most accessible glaciated peaks in the lower 48 states.

Conservation

Guides emphasize eco-friendly practices, including minimal impact glacier travel and waste reduction, helping preserve Colorado's fragile alpine environment.

Colorado Climbing Company runs guided climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing trips and instructional courses across Colorado and in select national parks. The company’s offerings include introductory classes like Introduction to Rock Climbing and Gym to Crag, technical courses such as Learn to Lead Sport Climb Outdoors and Learn to Lead Traditional Climbs, and advanced seminars including Steep Ice and Mixed Technique and Climbing 301 — Climbing Big Things. Trips span diverse Colorado areas and beyond, with options in Rocky Mountain National Park, Silverton, Lake City, Ouray, Denver/Golden, Boulder/Estes Park, Telluride, Gunnison, Grand Junction, and San Juan ranges. Seasonal programming covers ice climbing at venues like Lake City Ice Park and guided backcountry ski and splitboard touring in Silverton and the Alpine Loop near Lake City. Offerings range from half-day guided ice climbs to multi-day alpine ascents and expedition preparation courses. Participants can choose guided experiences or technical instruction tailored to levels from beginner to advanced. Course titles and guided day trips reflect explicit instruction and guided formats, including avalanche and glacier-focused topics such as Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel and Private Custom Avalanche Instructions. Colorado Climbing Company presents a wide catalog of site-specific classic climbs, ski descents, and intensive seminars to support skill development and safe mountain travel.

Base locationVail, Colorado

Tours offered95+

Specialtyclimbing-mountaineering

StewardshipLeave No Trace