Guided Ice Climbing in Colorado

GO ICE CLIMBING IN COLORADO WITH THE HELP OF AN EXPERT MOUNTAIN GUIDE

Going ice climbing with Alpine to the Max is a fun and rewarding experience that will push your physical & mental limits. With years of experience and expertise, our AMGA-certified instructors will teach you the proper techniques on how to navigate the icy terrain safely while taking in the magnificent landscapes offered throughout the Front Range. 

Photo of Colorado ice climbing guide Max Lurie providing instruction

ALPINE TO THE MAX OFFERS GUIDED ICE CLIMBING TRIPS JUST OUTSIDE Denver, CO

Coming to Alpine to the Max for an unforgettable ice climbing experience means you'll receive expert instruction tailored specifically to your skill level and ambitions. You're guaranteed to come away with key skills and knowledge that will stay with you for a lifetime of climbing. We offer both public and privately guided ice climbing experiences. 

With over a decade of providing custom instruction at some of the most coveted US winter climbing locations, Alpine to the Max knows how to ensure that you have the best ice climbing experience possible. 

Join us at Alpine to the Max and discover why so many ice climbers in Colorado recommend us!

what a full day of colorado ice climbing looks like with max lurie

A standard day of ice climbing starts early in the morning around 7 AM at the trailhead. Don't worry about the cold morning temperature - as you make your way up to the icy terrain, with each step you take you will generate more heat and become more comfortable with the cold temperatures.

If single pitch climbing is on the agenda, then we will leave our packs behind as you focus on honing your skills and mastering the tools of ascension. However, if multi pitch climbing is part of the plan then prior experience may be required to tackle something more advanced.

Either way, our guides will help you plan out your ice climbing adventure beforehand so you know exactly what to expect and can prepare accordingly. If you have any questions about what ice climbing gear you may need, we're happy to help you out before your climb. 

With Alpine to the Max, end your day around 3-4 PM after a productive day of adventure and ice-climbing expertise!

What makes alpine from the max different from other Colorado ice climbing guides?

Hiring an independent guide service like Alpine to the Max offers a tremendous ice climbing experience you won't find offered anywhere else in Colorado. Our focus on experiential education and custom climbing trips based on your individual goals & experience level ensures that every trip is tailored to your specific desires.

From learning new techniques to gaining real-world knowledge, our guides will provide the perfect mix of fun and challenge for ice climbers of all abilities. Our goal is to make sure each climber has a unique and inspiring adventure, no matter their skill level or experience. To this end, we offer both private ice climbing and affordable group options. 

If you're looking for a special experience, the customized ice climbing trips offered by Alpine to the Max promise a truly unique opportunity to explore the Rocky Mountains in a winter wonderland. Whether you're an experienced climber or just looking to try ice climbing for the first time, we've got you covered. 

popular ice climbing topics we can cover

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Ready to take your climbing skills to the next level? With more than a decade of experience in all types of terrain, including ice climbing, Alpine to the Max can provide you with a unique and tailored adventure that is sure to last a lifetime. Below are popular areas we regularly provide ice climbing instruction in.

Intro to ice climbing

Desperate for a winter adventure? Boost your climbing confidence with the knowledge and skills needed to have an unforgettable time scaling icy terrain!

intro to Mountaineering

This educational journey covers essential outdoor equipment like proper layering systems and crampon/boot combinations, along with how to use them.

custom ice objectives

Alpine to the Max is here with you every step of the way to help you achieve your custom ice climbing objective! We provide professional guidance, no matter what kind of winter adventure you seek.

Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue

Ready for a once-in-a lifetime experience on glaciated terrain? If so, you need to know the essentials of crevasse rescue. Gain the knowledge necessary to confidently tackle mountains such as Mount Rainier and Denali while also protecting their team members in case they fall into dangerous crevasses.

learn to lead

Ready to take your climbing skills up a notch? Harness the power of leading and make ice-climbing an even bigger rush! With Max at the helm, you can trust his decade of expertise as he helps intermediate ice climbers reach their next level.

multi pitch ice

This course brings the opportunity to take your climbing skills to a whole other level! You'll learn all the techniques needed to scale multi-pitch routes up big mountains. Plus it's tons of fun - waterfall ice climbing is truly something special!

Join Our Community Of Adventurous ice Climbers

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From first-time ice climbers to experienced mountaineers, everyone has come away from their climbs with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Colorado's peaks and valleys. Check out some of our glowing testimonials below to see what people are saying about their climbing experience with Alpine to the Max.

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“I climbed with Max last summer on a couple of couloirs in Rocky Mountain National Park. I’m a complete newbie to technical snow and Max was everything that I was hoping for in a guide. Knowledgeable, patient and passionate about educating his clients. It was a fantastic experience and I cannot wait to go back out with him.”

William Rosenberg
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“Max is easily one of the best guides I have ever taken a course with. Max's knowledge paired with his experience and skill set is unparalleled. I learned so much and I am so grateful to have taken a course with him! Max provided the education and knowledge I needed to continue recreating safely in the mountains.”

Nichola Krieg
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“Max was an amazing guide and instructor for our 2-day AIARE 1 course. Funny, affable, deeply knowledgeable, with an excellent approach to instruction and learning. We saw several other AIARE courses out there in the same locations, and in comparison, we were VERY glad we were spending our weekend learning from Max!

Dylan Cate
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Max is awesome! My climbing partner and I booked a day with Max to learn how to ice climb. Between making the meetup spot an easy to find location, to providing in-depth instruction throughout the day, I can't recommend Max enough. Max's instruction was clear, safe, and easy to follow. He's personable and easy to learn from.

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What an awesome experience. My friend and I spent four days with Max going through a variety of topics and we couldn't have been happier with the instruction. Max is SO well versed in a multitude of areas. And he's an awesome person to be around and it makes the guiding experience that much better. I would 100% do another session with Max!

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We strongly recommend Max as a guide and instructor. Having climbed with Max several times over the past decade, we always come away with a great experience and a smile. His enthusiasm and knowledge, plus a wry sense of humor, make for instructive and fun days of climbing. We hope to get out to CO to climb someday with Max again.

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It was awesome. We covered a ton of material in such a short window and I was able to apply everything I learned. I had pretty minimal experience at the start but he delivered everything in a super easy to understand manner that made it a ton of fun and extremely informative. I’ll definitely be coming back for future sessions.

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Max was incredibly helpful for our intro to trad course. He not only teaches the information, but makes sure to go over alternative techniques and general climbing philosophy. We were able to customize the class that day to go over things that interested us rather than a set curriculum, which I really enjoyed. I couldn’t recommend Max enough.

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I had very limited climbing experience coming into this guided rock climbing experience. Max takes me out and we literally jump right into my introduction to climbing. Max literally inspired me to get out of my comfort zone immediately and go beyond what I thought I was capable of. Thank you Max for an awesome experience in the mountains.

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Max is an outstanding guide! I couldn’t have asked for a better day of climbing and learning. I joined Max in hopes of setting a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in my own climbing endeavors to come, and I was beyond satisfied with the day he had prepared for us. An incredible instructor and ideal climbing partner!

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Max is adept, knowledgeable, and great to work with all around! He breaks down skills and explains them thoroughly, taking the time to make sure you understand a concept before moving on to something more complex. If you want to up your technical climbing skills and have a darn good time doing it then Max is your guy!

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Max was extremely knowledge and encouraging while we were learning and practicing building anchors and hauling for crevasse rescue. He also had a great sense of humor and kept the mood light while we were suffering through brutally cold temperatures during the practice. 10/10 would recommend!

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My partner and I hired Max for a day of self rescue skills and we had an absolute blast. Max is super knowledgeable and was more than patient answering all of our questions. We never felt rushed and had time to go through different scenarios and skills. I really enjoyed learning from a professional and would recommend to anyone!

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Max was a terrific mountain guide. We did a split-board tour of the Hidden Valley area of Rock Mtn National Park and I couldn’t have had asked for a better guide. He answered all of my questions and expressed great knowledge in snow science as well as mountain geology and avalanche safety. Highly recommend!

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I spent a day learning trad/multipitch climbing with Max in a "classroom setting". The dollars I spent on that session have been more valuable than any climbing trip or equipment. The techniques he taught me have stuck with me throughout my climbing career and set me up for success in the mountains.

About Your Colorado Ice Climbing Guide

meet max lurie - Owner and Lead Guide of Alpine to the Max

Max Lurie is an American Mountain Guides Association certified rock and alpine guide with over a decade of experience providing custom climbing instruction.

Max honed his ice climbing skills guiding the classic multi-pitch ice routes in Crawford Notch during some bitterly cold New England winter months and has summited Mount Rainier nearly 100 times. As an ice climbing guide in Boulder, he now leads climbs near Rocky Mountain National Park and Clear Creek Canyon in the winter months.

Click the button below to watch a short video about Max Lurie and Alpine to the Max.

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Photo of Ice Climbing Guide Max Lurie

go ice climbing in the top spots colorado has to offer

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Embark on a winter adventure like no other by climbing some of the best ice routes Colorado has to offer with the guidance of Alpine to the Max. With years of experience leading extreme ice climbing routes across the US, you're guaranteed to have a fun and safe ice climbing experience in Colorado.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Boasting some of the most breathtaking views in the continental US, RMNP offers a range of mountaineering and climbing opportunities throughout the year. From alpine rock climbing to backcountry skiing and ice climbing to mountaineering, RMNP provides unique challenges that are sure to test your abilities and knowledge.

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Clear Creek Canyon

Clear Creek Canyon provides an ideal environment for ice climbers seeking to sharpen their skills. In the winter months, stunning ice routes form that are perfect for anyone just getting started with ice climbing as well as experienced climbers aiming to take on more advanced leading challenges.

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Frequently Asked Questions about colorado ice climbing

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, find all the answers you need to make your Colorado ice climbing experience with Alpine to the Max a blast by viewing the below FAQs.

What Months is Ice Climbing In Season?
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It can really depend on the venue and season, ice climbing is inherently ephemeral in nature. Meaning it can be really great and disappear in 24 hours depending on the weather/conditions. That being said, ice climbing in North America is usually good from January through March. You can extend those months if you go up in elevation or travel farther north.
Can I Go Ice Climbing With No Prior Rock Climbing Experience?
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Yes, you can climb ice without any previous rock climbing experience. However, it is recommended to learn the basics of belaying, tying in and top rope climbing first. There are a lot of variables in ice climbing and to get the most out of your experience, it is best to have some prior knowledge.
Is Ice Climbing Any More Dangerous Than Rock Climbing?
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Yes, there are certainly more variables in ice climbing than rock climbing. It is a harsh winter environment that presents its own challenges. With the proper instruction, equipment and clothing the risks can be managed quite well.
HOW LONG IS A DAY OF ICE CLIMBING?
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The length of a day really depends on where we go and what our objectives are. For a big alpine day of ice climbing, it could be upwards of 12 hours. For a day of top roping or an intro course, it is usually 6-8 hours long.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED TO GO ICE CLIMBING?
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Any winter activity does have a high barrier to entry for initial equipment. Alpine to the Max has a full fleet of crampons, ice tools, ice axes, harnesses and helmets. You will need to provide the rest. Namely, appropriate mountaineering boots and winter clothing. Every outing is different and we will set you up for success if you have any clothing questions before your scheduled outing.
IS ICE CLIMBING AVAILABLE IN The Denver/Boulder Metro area?
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Not in Boulder itself, but not far from it. There are several places to ice climb in the surrounding hills to the north and even south of Boulder.
CAN I GO ICE CLIMBING WITH A GROUP?
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Most definitely, learning to ice climb with a group of friends can be a really great and memorable experience. Not to mention that the price of tuition goes down per person with increased participants.