Scale frozen waterfalls with expert guides in Colorado’s most legendary ice climbing destinations. From beginner basics to advanced multi-pitch routes, Colorado Climbing Company crafts every ascent.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition with endurance for sustained climbing and hiking on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The San Juan Mountains have hosted ice climbers since the 1960s, evolving into a world-class destination with pioneer routes like The Sherman Route established decades ago.
Conservation
Colorado Climbing Company emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and minimize impact on winter habitats.
Colorado Climbing Company
Scale frozen waterfalls with expert guides in Colorado’s most legendary ice climbing destinations. From beginner basics to advanced multi-pitch routes, Colorado Climbing Company crafts every ascent.
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.
Locations
Statewide (CO)
From Front Range to San Juans
Activities
Climbing & Skiing
Rock, ice, alpine, backcountry
Trip Types
Guided & Courses
Half-day to multi-day options
Availability
Year-round
Seasonal ice and snow offerings
Choose a course or guided trip across Colorado — from half-day climbs to multi-day alpine and backcountry adventures. Reserve a date to secure an experienced guided format.
Layer for the Cold
Wear moisture-wicking base layers and insulated shells to stay warm and dry during climbs.
Helmet Up at All Times
Always wear a helmet to protect against falling ice and accidental tool strikes.
Hydrate Regularly
Cold weather can mask dehydration; bring plenty of water and sip often throughout the day.
Check Ice Stability
Guides assess ice quality continuously—trust their judgment when routes are adjusted or avoided.
Crampons
Attach to boots to maintain grip on ice surfaces.
winter
Ice Axes
Essential for secure handholds and controlling ascent.
winter
Helmet
Protects from falling ice and accidental impacts.
winter
Insulated Gloves
Keeps hands warm without sacrificing dexterity.
winter