Adventure Brief
Ready to try ice climbing for the first time? Join the Ice Intro Clinic in Sandy, Utah, and learn essential skills in a fun, supportive winter setting.
6 hours
moderate
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Ready to try ice climbing for the first time? Join the Ice Intro Clinic in Sandy, Utah, and learn essential skills in a fun, supportive winter setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate fitness level with basic stamina and the ability to hike short distances in snowy terrain.
Wildlife
History
Ice climbing in Utah has grown in popularity over recent decades due to its unique winter conditions and accessibility to frozen waterfalls.
Conservation
Locals and guides emphasize minimizing impact by staying on established trails and practicing Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile alpine environments.
The Backcountry Pros LLC
Ready to try ice climbing for the first time? Join the Ice Intro Clinic in Sandy, Utah, and learn essential skills in a fun, supportive winter setting.
The Backcountry Pros LLC is a Utah-based guiding and education company specializing in backcountry skiing, avalanche education, and technical climbing instruction. The team offers a range of hands-on experiences — from single-day clinics to multi-day mentorships and heli-assisted ski touring — focused on practical skills, decision-making, and safe mountain travel. Instructional offerings include Advanced Backcountry Skiing Mentorship, Backcountry Skiing Mentorship, Ski Mountaineering Course, Level I (Uinta Mountains), Avalanche I Refresher, Heli Assisted Ski Touring, Intro to Trad Climbing, Multi Pitch Self Rescue, Advanced Ice Techniques, and Ice Intro Clinic.
Courses combine classroom and fieldwork when appropriate, with Zoom sessions, guided field days, basecamp-style mentorship, and real-world scenario practice. The Backcountry Pros LLC emphasizes small groups and a limited instructor-to-student ratio to maximize individualized feedback and hands-on coaching. Professional ski instructors and certified guides lead technical lessons in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, covering avalanche forecasting, companion rescue, ski travel techniques, ice screw placement, anchor building, and multi-pitch self-rescue.
Safety and evidence-based decision making are core priorities; students practice terrain assessment, hazard interpretation, and rescue drills in real mountain settings. The company’s programs are designed for progressing skiers and climbers seeking measurable skill development, confidence in complex terrain, and the ability to plan and execute safe backcountry trips. Booking information, prerequisite details, and course logistics are provided for each trip to ensure participants arrive prepared for a productive and secure learning experience. Industry-standard safety protocols and hands-on mentorship create measurable progress and lasting skills for responsible mountain travel across winter and alpine environments.
Tours Offered
10
Guided clinics and mentorships
Group Size
Small groups
Limited instructor-to-student ratio
Primary Areas
Wasatch & Uinta
Utah alpine terrain
Heli Days
8+ hour days
Full-day heli-accessed skiing
Reserve a small-group clinic, mentorship, or heli day to advance technique, judgment, and avalanche safety.
Layer Your Clothing
Wear moisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layers to stay warm and dry during the climb.
Bring Sturdy Boots
Footwear compatible with crampons is necessary for safe movement on ice surfaces.
Listen to Your Guide
Follow the instructor’s safety tips carefully to prevent falls and injuries.
Prepare for Cold Weather
Carry extra gloves and a hat to protect extremities from frostbite during long exposures.
Crampons
Essential for gripping the ice safely while climbing.
winter
Ice Axes
Required for climbing and maintaining balance on vertical ice.
winter
Insulated Gloves
Keep your hands warm and nimble during cold climbs.
winter
Helmet
Protects your head from falling ice and bumps.