Learn the basics of ice climbing with our introductory course. Experienced guides will teach you essential techniques for a safe and exhilarating climb.
Season
Winter
Skill Level
Beginner and intermediate
Duration
6 to 8 hours
Group Size
1 to 6 participants
Alpine to the Max offers an introductory course to ice climbing, taught by our certified AMGA alpine guides. In this course, you'll learn essential techniques for climbing safely and efficiently on ice. Our experienced guides will teach you the basics of using ice tools and crampons, how to climb and descend vertical ice, and how to belay your partner.
The intro to ice climbing course is designed for beginners and no prior experience is required. We provide all necessary equipment, including ropes, harnesses, crampons, and ice tools. Our guides will ensure that you feel confident and comfortable throughout the course, with a focus on safety and enjoyment. Whether you're looking to try a new sport or just want to experience the thrill of climbing frozen waterfalls, our intro to ice climbing course is the perfect place to start.
Book your intro to ice climbing course with Alpine to the Max today and learn the fundamental skills to safely navigate vertical ice.
Max Lurie - Alpine to the Max
With a degree in environmental science and a focus on glaciology, Max’s deep understanding of mountain environments is only matched by his passion for them. He began his career in 2012 in New Hampshire, where he became an EMT and started guiding. Moving west, he earned his American Mountain Guides Association certifications in both rock and alpine disciplines. In 2020, he founded Alpine to the Max, an AMGA-accredited guide service that now operates throughout Colorado. He also teaches professional avalanche education for Silverton Avalanche School. When not teaching or guiding, you can find him mountain biking in the desert southwest with his fiancée.
Our one-day intro to ice climbing course is designed to provide beginners with a comprehensive overview of the basic skills and techniques required for climbing safely on ice. Our certified AMGA alpine guides will work with you to develop your skills and confidence in a supportive and fun environment.
The course begins with an introduction to the equipment used for ice climbing, including ice tools, crampons, helmets, and harnesses. You'll learn how to use each piece of equipment and how to properly fit and adjust it for maximum safety and comfort
Next, you'll learn the basic movement techniques for climbing on ice, including how to kick your crampons into the ice and how to swing your ice tools to make your way up the ice. Our guides will also teach you how to balance your weight on your crampons and ice tools, how to move smoothly and efficiently, and how to use your body position to conserve energy.
As you progress through the day, you'll have the opportunity to practice your newly acquired skills on a variety of different ice formations. Our guides will work with you to select climbs that are appropriate for your skill level and experience, and will provide support and guidance throughout the day.
By the end of the day, you'll have gained a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for ice climbing, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident and competent ice climber. Our one-day intro to ice climbing course is the perfect way to get started in this exciting and rewarding sport.
All technical equipment can be provided except for mountaineering boots. However, you'll want clothing appropriate for an outdoor activity in the winter.
No, this is an entry-level beginner course for those looking to get into ice climbing. If you have previous rock or gym climbing experience the rope systems are similar and you'll pick it up quickly. However, those skills will be covered during the course.
Quite a bit of time will be spent actually climbing. Once you learn the basics you'll have ample opportunities to climb and practice.
This is a beginner-level course for those looking to master the basics of ice climbing. We will set up several top roping options that vary in difficulty, but are all completely attainable by someone on their first day of ice climbing
For instructional courses such as this one, we can accommodate up to six participants per instructor.
Yes, your guide will watch you climb and offer coaching to help you improve your techniques.
Alpine to the Max is an independent certified guide with more than a decade of experience in a wide variety of terrain. No matter your current skill level, when you climb with us you get a top-notch experience that is fully customized to meet your exact desires.
