Ice climber looks up in a sea of ice

Multipitch and Backcountry Ice Climbing

Ice climber looks up in a sea of ice

Multipitch and Backcountry Ice Climbing

These are the climbs that make people's dreams. Thin streams of ice ribbon up the sides of mountains with the promise of challenge and excitement. But these climbs are not like multipitch rock. Because of their location they often have avalanche conditions to be considered and big climbs require efficiency. Big ice climbs also require different management of the team to stay safe.

For experienced climbers we would recommend this as a Full Day to get an in depth experience on a multipitch ice climb and discuss a variety of techniques and skills to make for a better climbing experience.

What You'll Learn

If you are an experienced ice climber who is confident in your technique and ability to lead here is what you can expect to learn during this ice climbing course:

  • Anchor building and station management.

  • Avalanche assessment as it relates to backcountry ice climbs and descents.

  • Efficient transitions for ascents and descents.

  • How to descend large climbs

  • Skills for deciding the best line when many options exist.

  • Approach techniques and risk management for remote climbs.

After taking this climbing course participants should feel more confident in planning more committing backcountry and multipitch ice climbs.

Climbing Instruction Rates and Availability

1 Instructor
Half Day (4 hours)
Regular Day (6 hours)
Full Day (8 hours)

1 Students

$309

$369

$429

2 Students

$249

$309

$369

3 Students

$199

$249

$309

4 Students

$149

$199

$249

2 instructors to keep low ratios for the best experience!

5-8 Students

$119

$149

$199

1 Instructor
Half Day (4 hours)
Regular Day (6 hours)
Full Day (8 hours)

1 Students

$309

$369

$429

2 Students

$249

$309

$369

3 Students

$199

$249

$309

4 Students

$149

$199

$249

2 instructors to keep low ratios for the best experience!

5-8 Students

$119

$149

$199

1 Instructor
Half Day (4 hours)
Regular Day (6 hours)
Full Day (8 hours)

1 Students

$309

$369

$429

2 Students

$249

$309

$369

3 Students

$199

$249

$309

4 Students

$149

$199

$249

2 instructors to keep low ratios for the best experience!

5-8 Students

$119

$149

$199

Rate Information:
Rates are per person, e.g. 3 people for a Regular Day would be $259/person for a total of $777. Trip start times are custom but generally we recommend 8AM starts for most rock climbing May through September to avoid heat, crowding, and afternoon thunderstorms.

Discount Information: We appreciate our guests but discounts are limited to the following and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Early Bird Discounts and Last Chance Pricing: Book early and save! Schedule any rock climbing trip a month or more in advance for a 10% discount. Any trip booked with less than 48 hours notice incur a $100 convenience fee.

Bundle Pricing: The ultimate way to get started climbing! Purchase 3 or more days of climbing guiding or instruction at once for a 10% discount. Schedule at your convenience.

Best Places to Learn

There are several locations that work well for this course due to quality backcountry ice climbs. Specific locations will likely be decided based on ice and avalanche conditions at the time of booking. 

Ice climber in Lake City Ice Park nears the top of the steep ice wall

Lake City Ice Park and Backcountry Climbing

Learn the most basic to the most advanced ice climbing skills from how to put on crampons to how to move through overhanging mixed terrain with experienced ice climbing guides.

Ice climber in Lake City Ice Park nears the top of the steep ice wall

Lake City Ice Park and Backcountry Climbing

Learn the most basic to the most advanced ice climbing skills from how to put on crampons to how to move through overhanging mixed terrain with experienced ice climbing guides.

Ice climber in Lake City Ice Park nears the top of the steep ice wall

Lake City Ice Park and Backcountry Climbing

Learn the most basic to the most advanced ice climbing skills from how to put on crampons to how to move through overhanging mixed terrain with experienced ice climbing guides.

Ice climber leads steep slab of ice in Eureka

Eureka/Silverton Backcountry Ice Climbing

On the eastern half of the San Juans lies the remote Alpine Loop near Lake City Colorado. With a great ice park without the crowds and remote backcountry climbs it has everything an ice climber could desire.

Ice climber leads steep slab of ice in Eureka

Eureka/Silverton Backcountry Ice Climbing

On the eastern half of the San Juans lies the remote Alpine Loop near Lake City Colorado. With a great ice park without the crowds and remote backcountry climbs it has everything an ice climber could desire.

Ice climber leads steep slab of ice in Eureka

Eureka/Silverton Backcountry Ice Climbing

On the eastern half of the San Juans lies the remote Alpine Loop near Lake City Colorado. With a great ice park without the crowds and remote backcountry climbs it has everything an ice climber could desire.

Ice climber swings their ice tool near the top of Hully Gully ice climb

Cheyenne Canyon Ice Climbing

With a few different waterfalls that freeze in the winter this Front Range ice climbing location is a good low commitment for those just learning to ice climb or getting ready for more advanced ice techniques.

Ice climber swings their ice tool near the top of Hully Gully ice climb

Cheyenne Canyon Ice Climbing

With a few different waterfalls that freeze in the winter this Front Range ice climbing location is a good low commitment for those just learning to ice climb or getting ready for more advanced ice techniques.

Ice climber swings their ice tool near the top of Hully Gully ice climb

Cheyenne Canyon Ice Climbing

With a few different waterfalls that freeze in the winter this Front Range ice climbing location is a good low commitment for those just learning to ice climb or getting ready for more advanced ice techniques.

Ice climber looks down as they near the top of ice curtain in Clear Creek

Clear Creek Canyon Ice Climbing

With one of the few ice climbing areas in the southern Front Range the climbs have a bit of history and some distance between them. Great ice climbing trips for anyone climbing in the Front Range.

Ice climber looks down as they near the top of ice curtain in Clear Creek

Clear Creek Canyon Ice Climbing

With one of the few ice climbing areas in the southern Front Range the climbs have a bit of history and some distance between them. Great ice climbing trips for anyone climbing in the Front Range.

Ice climber looks down as they near the top of ice curtain in Clear Creek

Clear Creek Canyon Ice Climbing

With one of the few ice climbing areas in the southern Front Range the climbs have a bit of history and some distance between them. Great ice climbing trips for anyone climbing in the Front Range.

Required Skills

Climbers should have experience leading ice climbs for a few seasons. Climbs often take place in remote and dangerous terrain and climbers should be confident leading for the best experience.

Follow Up Climbing Classes

Backcountry ice leading is a good stepping stone into more significant alpine terrain where large blocks of ice climbing are likely to be encountered.

Ice climber ties into rope with tools stuck in ice

Introduction to Ice Climbing

Ice climber ties into rope with tools stuck in ice

Introduction to Ice Climbing

Ice climber ties into rope with tools stuck in ice

Introduction to Ice Climbing

Climber ascends steep curtain of ice

Steep Ice and Mixed Climbing Technique

Climber ascends steep curtain of ice

Steep Ice and Mixed Climbing Technique

Climber ascends steep curtain of ice

Steep Ice and Mixed Climbing Technique

Ice climber leads above gear with ice tool ready to swing

Learn to Lead Ice Climbs

Ice climber leads above gear with ice tool ready to swing

Learn to Lead Ice Climbs

Ice climber leads above gear with ice tool ready to swing

Learn to Lead Ice Climbs

Ready to book your experience or have more questions?

Colorado is a big state with over 300 days a year of sunshine. When you're planning your climbing trip feel to use us as your Colorado experts. We're happy to help answer any questions to help elevate your experience here to new heights. 

Get in Touch with Us

Ready to book your experience or have more questions?

Colorado is a big state with over 300 days a year of sunshine. When you're planning your climbing trip feel to use us as your Colorado experts. We're happy to help answer any questions to help elevate your experience here to new heights. 

Get in Touch with Us

Ready to book your experience or have more questions?

Colorado is a big state with over 300 days a year of sunshine. When you're planning your climbing trip feel to use us as your Colorado experts. We're happy to help answer any questions to help elevate your experience here to new heights. 

Get in Touch with Us

Reviews

Reviews

Reviews

  • "

    The Colorado Climbing Company did a phenomenal job. I’ve used a lot of guiding services all over the world, and this was without a doubt one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The guide did a great job of keep it challenging while always making sure it was 100% safe and keeping me well informed of everything that was going on. I climbed two weekends in a row and both days were perfect!

  • "

    I booked a guided climbing trip for 8 people at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company. We all had varying skill sets which made it challenging for our guides to figure out how to accommodate us all but they did a great job and we all had a blast. Some of us were able to lead climb for the first time and some of us did our first multipitch climb which was awesome to get to experience something new in such a beautiful setting. Communicating before the trip was fast and easy and the guides were all super nice and explained everything clearly so we always felt safe. I would highly recommend climbing at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company if you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs...it was a unique way to experience the nature without having to commit to driving into the mountains.

  • "

    Safety was obviously top priorities for both parties involved. Their professionalism and superb communication made me confident and comfortable in their skill. I informed them of my goals prior to climbing & he chose routes that would exceed my expectations and enhance my ability to learn new skilks and technique. Unlike climbing with strangers I felt I was climbing with real friends and real partners that pushed me way past what I would have pushed me in a healthy way while resurrecting my boundaries as all friends/partners/guides should! I would highly recommend these guys whatever your style and skill set . If you're brand new or climbing outdoors for the first time these guys will show you the ropes in a safe, solid, way!

  • "

    Had an amazing experience climbing in Eldorado Canyon with Josh! This was my first ever multi-pitch climb and Josh made me feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. His knowledge of climbing and safety showed, and I appreciate all the awesome pics he took along the way! Stoked!!! Thanks Colorado Climbing Company!

  • "

    I climbed the Crestone Traverse in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with Jeremiah in August 2023, owner of the Colorado Climbing Company. Jeremiah was an outstanding guide. Besides utilizing his expertise on the climb, he cooked pizza for dinner and provided bagels for breakfast. He was a great instructor, had a sense of humor, and was patient. He is also an incredibly skilled alpinist. I used several guides this summer on technical climbs and my experience with him was unsurpassed. I highly recommend The Colorado Climbing Company for all of your climbing adventures in Colorado.

  • "

    I’ve climbed with Colorado Climbing Company twice when visiting family in the Grand Junction area— at Unaweep Canyon and Colorado National Monument. Both were amazing experiences! Each time, my guides Luc and Nico were very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and always made me feel safe even with my limited climbing experience. They were super helpful in teaching techniques and always encouraging me to get to the top! Jeremiah is always very helpful and responsive during the booking process, from recommending routes and even helping me reschedule when the weather didn’t cooperate. Pricing is extremely fair for the unforgettable experiences you get in return. I’ll continue to use Colorado Climbing Co whenever I’m back in CO!

  • "

    Holy smokes, these guys ROCK ( literally 😆🧗🏽‍♀️🧊) A huge shoutout to Olivia who was my ice climbing guide in Lake City. I am pretty new to ice climbing and I felt like this trip helped me grow tremendously. She was not only a master at all things ice climbing, but was a fantastic teacher. Learning knots, in addition to the art of ice climbing, can be overwhelming but she made it such a blast. We had an 8 hour trip and she somehow managed to keep me pumped the whole time. And as a new climber, she made it such a safe place to learn and ask ALL the questions. I’ve used plenty of guiding services before but these guys are definitely my top choice.

  • "

    I climbed for half a day at Garden of the God's with CO Climbing Co. It was the best day of my trip to Colorado Springs. The guide had a great knowledge of safety and climbing tips as well as an excellent knowledge of the plants and animals in the area. I loved my trip so much that I am considering moving to CO!!! Use this company if you want a great climbing experience!

  • "

    I participated in an ice climbing trip Jeremiah was fantastic and provided the best experience we could have asked for. The small group setting was great and my girlfriend and I both got to spend the whole day on the wall. He also took the time to not only tell us what to do, but teach us how and why. I would highly recommend this company for any level of climber.

  • "

    My wife and I recently booked a climb with The Colorado Climbing Company for a climb up the first Flatiron outside Boulder. We have a healthy amount of single pitch sport climbing experience, but hadn't done any trad climbing or multi-pitch. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area, showed great proficiency with setting anchors and protection, and was overall a fun guy to hang out with. We would happily book another trip with them in the future, and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in climbing in Colorado.

  • "

    I climbed for half a day at Garden of the God's with CO Climbing Co. It was the best day of my trip to Colorado Springs. The guide had a great knowledge of safety and climbing tips as well as an excellent knowledge of the plants and animals in the area. I loved my trip so much that I am considering moving to CO!!! Use this company if you want a great climbing experience!

  • "

    Holy smokes, these guys ROCK ( literally 😆🧗🏽‍♀️🧊) A huge shoutout to Olivia who was my ice climbing guide in Lake City. I am pretty new to ice climbing and I felt like this trip helped me grow tremendously. She was not only a master at all things ice climbing, but was a fantastic teacher. Learning knots, in addition to the art of ice climbing, can be overwhelming but she made it such a blast. We had an 8 hour trip and she somehow managed to keep me pumped the whole time. And as a new climber, she made it such a safe place to learn and ask ALL the questions. I’ve used plenty of guiding services before but these guys are definitely my top choice.

  • "

    I’ve climbed with Colorado Climbing Company twice when visiting family in the Grand Junction area— at Unaweep Canyon and Colorado National Monument. Both were amazing experiences! Each time, my guides Luc and Nico were very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and always made me feel safe even with my limited climbing experience. They were super helpful in teaching techniques and always encouraging me to get to the top! Jeremiah is always very helpful and responsive during the booking process, from recommending routes and even helping me reschedule when the weather didn’t cooperate. Pricing is extremely fair for the unforgettable experiences you get in return. I’ll continue to use Colorado Climbing Co whenever I’m back in CO!

  • "

    I climbed the Crestone Traverse in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with Jeremiah in August 2023, owner of the Colorado Climbing Company. Jeremiah was an outstanding guide. Besides utilizing his expertise on the climb, he cooked pizza for dinner and provided bagels for breakfast. He was a great instructor, had a sense of humor, and was patient. He is also an incredibly skilled alpinist. I used several guides this summer on technical climbs and my experience with him was unsurpassed. I highly recommend The Colorado Climbing Company for all of your climbing adventures in Colorado.

  • "

    Had an amazing experience climbing in Eldorado Canyon with Josh! This was my first ever multi-pitch climb and Josh made me feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. His knowledge of climbing and safety showed, and I appreciate all the awesome pics he took along the way! Stoked!!! Thanks Colorado Climbing Company!

  • "

    Safety was obviously top priorities for both parties involved. Their professionalism and superb communication made me confident and comfortable in their skill. I informed them of my goals prior to climbing & he chose routes that would exceed my expectations and enhance my ability to learn new skilks and technique. Unlike climbing with strangers I felt I was climbing with real friends and real partners that pushed me way past what I would have pushed me in a healthy way while resurrecting my boundaries as all friends/partners/guides should! I would highly recommend these guys whatever your style and skill set . If you're brand new or climbing outdoors for the first time these guys will show you the ropes in a safe, solid, way!

  • "

    The Colorado Climbing Company did a phenomenal job. I’ve used a lot of guiding services all over the world, and this was without a doubt one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The guide did a great job of keep it challenging while always making sure it was 100% safe and keeping me well informed of everything that was going on. I climbed two weekends in a row and both days were perfect!

  • "

    I booked a guided climbing trip for 8 people at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company. We all had varying skill sets which made it challenging for our guides to figure out how to accommodate us all but they did a great job and we all had a blast. Some of us were able to lead climb for the first time and some of us did our first multipitch climb which was awesome to get to experience something new in such a beautiful setting. Communicating before the trip was fast and easy and the guides were all super nice and explained everything clearly so we always felt safe. I would highly recommend climbing at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company if you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs...it was a unique way to experience the nature without having to commit to driving into the mountains.

  • "

    I participated in an ice climbing trip Jeremiah was fantastic and provided the best experience we could have asked for. The small group setting was great and my girlfriend and I both got to spend the whole day on the wall. He also took the time to not only tell us what to do, but teach us how and why. I would highly recommend this company for any level of climber.

  • "

    My wife and I recently booked a climb with The Colorado Climbing Company for a climb up the first Flatiron outside Boulder. We have a healthy amount of single pitch sport climbing experience, but hadn't done any trad climbing or multi-pitch. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area, showed great proficiency with setting anchors and protection, and was overall a fun guy to hang out with. We would happily book another trip with them in the future, and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in climbing in Colorado.

  • "

    I climbed for half a day at Garden of the God's with CO Climbing Co. It was the best day of my trip to Colorado Springs. The guide had a great knowledge of safety and climbing tips as well as an excellent knowledge of the plants and animals in the area. I loved my trip so much that I am considering moving to CO!!! Use this company if you want a great climbing experience!

  • "

    Holy smokes, these guys ROCK ( literally 😆🧗🏽‍♀️🧊) A huge shoutout to Olivia who was my ice climbing guide in Lake City. I am pretty new to ice climbing and I felt like this trip helped me grow tremendously. She was not only a master at all things ice climbing, but was a fantastic teacher. Learning knots, in addition to the art of ice climbing, can be overwhelming but she made it such a blast. We had an 8 hour trip and she somehow managed to keep me pumped the whole time. And as a new climber, she made it such a safe place to learn and ask ALL the questions. I’ve used plenty of guiding services before but these guys are definitely my top choice.

  • "

    I’ve climbed with Colorado Climbing Company twice when visiting family in the Grand Junction area— at Unaweep Canyon and Colorado National Monument. Both were amazing experiences! Each time, my guides Luc and Nico were very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and always made me feel safe even with my limited climbing experience. They were super helpful in teaching techniques and always encouraging me to get to the top! Jeremiah is always very helpful and responsive during the booking process, from recommending routes and even helping me reschedule when the weather didn’t cooperate. Pricing is extremely fair for the unforgettable experiences you get in return. I’ll continue to use Colorado Climbing Co whenever I’m back in CO!

  • "

    I climbed the Crestone Traverse in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with Jeremiah in August 2023, owner of the Colorado Climbing Company. Jeremiah was an outstanding guide. Besides utilizing his expertise on the climb, he cooked pizza for dinner and provided bagels for breakfast. He was a great instructor, had a sense of humor, and was patient. He is also an incredibly skilled alpinist. I used several guides this summer on technical climbs and my experience with him was unsurpassed. I highly recommend The Colorado Climbing Company for all of your climbing adventures in Colorado.

  • "

    Had an amazing experience climbing in Eldorado Canyon with Josh! This was my first ever multi-pitch climb and Josh made me feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. His knowledge of climbing and safety showed, and I appreciate all the awesome pics he took along the way! Stoked!!! Thanks Colorado Climbing Company!

  • "

    Safety was obviously top priorities for both parties involved. Their professionalism and superb communication made me confident and comfortable in their skill. I informed them of my goals prior to climbing & he chose routes that would exceed my expectations and enhance my ability to learn new skilks and technique. Unlike climbing with strangers I felt I was climbing with real friends and real partners that pushed me way past what I would have pushed me in a healthy way while resurrecting my boundaries as all friends/partners/guides should! I would highly recommend these guys whatever your style and skill set . If you're brand new or climbing outdoors for the first time these guys will show you the ropes in a safe, solid, way!

  • "

    The Colorado Climbing Company did a phenomenal job. I’ve used a lot of guiding services all over the world, and this was without a doubt one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The guide did a great job of keep it challenging while always making sure it was 100% safe and keeping me well informed of everything that was going on. I climbed two weekends in a row and both days were perfect!

  • "

    I booked a guided climbing trip for 8 people at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company. We all had varying skill sets which made it challenging for our guides to figure out how to accommodate us all but they did a great job and we all had a blast. Some of us were able to lead climb for the first time and some of us did our first multipitch climb which was awesome to get to experience something new in such a beautiful setting. Communicating before the trip was fast and easy and the guides were all super nice and explained everything clearly so we always felt safe. I would highly recommend climbing at Garden of the Gods with The Colorado Climbing Company if you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs...it was a unique way to experience the nature without having to commit to driving into the mountains.

  • "

    I participated in an ice climbing trip Jeremiah was fantastic and provided the best experience we could have asked for. The small group setting was great and my girlfriend and I both got to spend the whole day on the wall. He also took the time to not only tell us what to do, but teach us how and why. I would highly recommend this company for any level of climber.

  • "

    My wife and I recently booked a climb with The Colorado Climbing Company for a climb up the first Flatiron outside Boulder. We have a healthy amount of single pitch sport climbing experience, but hadn't done any trad climbing or multi-pitch. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area, showed great proficiency with setting anchors and protection, and was overall a fun guy to hang out with. We would happily book another trip with them in the future, and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in climbing in Colorado.

We turn your adventure into an epic story you’ll be telling forever.

Colorado Springs

6435 Garlock Way

Colorado Springs, CO

80918

Denver

596 S. Carr St.

Lakewood, CO

80226

The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel National Forest, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, and Rocky Mountain National Park.Book Now

Copyright ©  2010-2025 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com

We turn your adventure into an epic story you’ll be telling forever.

Colorado Springs

6435 Garlock Way

Colorado Springs, CO

80918

Denver

596 S. Carr St.

Lakewood, CO

80226

The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel National Forest, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, and Rocky Mountain National Park.Book Now

Copyright ©  2010-2025 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com

We turn your adventure into an epic story you’ll be telling forever.

info@coclimbing.com

Denver

596 S. Carr St.

Lakewood, CO

80226

The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel National Forest, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, and Rocky Mountain National Park.Book Now

Copyright ©  2010-2025 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com