Like many skills it can take minutes to learn and years to master. Learning to lead ice is no different. It takes years to learn to recognize the qualities of ice and how they'll affect the security of ice screw placements and anchors. The head space for leading ice is also something that can be difficult to learn. But without the skill there are many climbs that are just off limits for those without the ability to lead ice climbs.
We recommend this as a Full Day for experienced ice climbers. This way instructors can spend time focused on pointing out many of the small techniques and nuances to increase your security and confidence as you begin to lead ice climbs.
What You'll Learn
If you are an experienced ice climber who is confident in your technique here is what you can expect to learn during this ice climbing course:
The proper way to stage your belayer and provide a solid lead belay yourself..
How to place ice screws based on the ice quality.
Build quality climbing and rappel anchors using ice screws and threads.
How to manage the rack and other climbing equipment while on lead and when building anchors.
Techniques for managing anxiety and safety while on the sharp end.
Outdoor climbing etiquette and ethics for new outdoor leaders.
After taking this climbing course participants should feel comfortable leading beginner ice climb and assessing ice quality.
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 reliable ice and minimal approaches. The venues we recommend are:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 previous experience toproping for a few seasons. Leading ice is significantly more hazardous than toproping ice or leading rock and participants should feel confident in their movement abilities and should be dialed in with their equipment.
Follow Up Climbing Classes
Basic ice climbing technique and skills such as tying in and belaying are fundamental skills that open the door to the next steps in gaining the independence to climb ice on your own. The following classes are good next steps.
Introduction to Ice Climbing
Introduction to Ice Climbing
Introduction to Ice Climbing
Steep Ice and Mixed Climbing Technique
Steep Ice and Mixed Climbing Technique
Steep Ice and Mixed Climbing Technique
Multipitch and Backcountry Ice Climbing
Multipitch and Backcountry Ice Climbing
Multipitch and Backcountry Ice Climbing
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
"
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.
Created by:
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
Created by:
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
Denver
596 S. Carr St.
Lakewood, CO
80226
Created by:
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