Take your ice climbing skills to the next level and learn to lead with our comprehensive course. Develop confidence and mastery on the ice!
Season
Winter
Skill Level
Intermediate and advanced
Duration
1-4 days
Group Size
6 participants
The Learn to Lead Ice Climbing Course is designed for climbers who are ready to take up the sharp while swinging tools. Over the course of one or several days, participants will learn the technical skills and decision-making strategies required to lead a climb on ice. Our AMGA certified alpine guides will teach participants how to manage risk, assess ice conditions, and execute safe and efficient lead climbing techniques.
Through a combination of hands-on practice and real-world application, climbers will develop the confidence and mastery required to lead ice climbs with skill and precision. Participants will also receive personalized feedback and instruction from our experienced instructors, ensuring that they leave the course with a deep understanding of the concepts and techniques required for successful ice climbing.
Whether you're an experienced climber looking to expand your skills or a novice seeking to learn the fundamentals of lead ice climbing, our Learn to Lead Ice Climbing Course will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to take on the most challenging and rewarding ice climbs with confidence and skill.



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.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Throughout the course, participants will receive personalized instruction and feedback from certified guides, ensuring that they develop the skills and confidence necessary to lead ice climbs with precision and skill. The curriculum will be adjusted based on the skill level and goals of the participants, ensuring that each participant receives an individualized learning experience.
Technical equipment
Equipment
Yes, this course is for experienced ice climbers looking to take the step into leading ice. A solid foundation of movement skills is a necessary to participate.
That depends on how much you want to invest in your skills. This course can range from a single day to four days of instruction.
You'll need all your own personal ice climbing equipment with includes: clothing, tools, harness, helmet, mountain boots, crampons, and ice tools. If you have your own ice screws and rope you are welcome to bring those otherwise they will be provided for you
Yes, you will have an opportunity to lead an ice climb. If you feel up to the task and your instructor feels comfortable with you leading.
Like all programs, we will refer to our cancellation and rescheduling policy. However, ice climbing is a winter sport that can and often does occur in fowl weather.
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.