Ice Climbing Lessons Colorado

LEARN PROFESSIONAL Ice CLIMBING TECHNIQUES with ALPINE TO THE MAX

Going ice climbing with Alpine to the Max is an exhilarating experience that will test your physical and mental limits. Professional guide Max Lurie has the knowledge and experience to teach you the proper techniques for navigating frozen ice walls safely, allowing you to admire the majestic beauty of Colorado from a vantage point reserved for only the bravest and most daring climbers.

Photo of someone taking ice climbing lessons in Colorado with Alpine to the Max

Alpine to the max offers professional ice climbing lessons in colorado's front range

Are you looking for an exciting and challenging way to explore the beautiful Rocky Mountains during the cold winter months? Then look no further than Alpine to the Max, where our independent guide Max Lurie will take you on an unforgettable ice climbing journey while providing you with expert instruction during your lessons.

With years of experience and a passion for teaching, Max will provide you with the proper techniques to safely navigate the icy terrain, allowing you to fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes and while pushing yourself in the harsh winter environment.

Max is dedicated to providing climbers in Colorado with amazing mountain experiences and teaching real-world skills, so you can learn to ice climb with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to take some ice-climbing lessons to work on specific techniques or just a beginner starting out, Max's expert guidance will be perfect for you.

what a day of ice climbing instruction for beginners looks like with max

At Alpine to the Max, our ice climbing lessons for beginners are designed to take the intimidation out of the experience and help you feel confident and prepared while climbing.

On a typical day of ice climbing instruction, we'll cover layering your clothing for ice climbing, ensuring that you stay warm and comfortable throughout your climb. Next, we'll introduce you to the new equipment you'll be using, including crampons and ice tools, and show you how to use them effectively. After that, it's time to start learning the basics of belaying and practicing skills & techniques so that you can ascend a frozen waterfall or large sheet of ice.

For beginner ice climbing lessons, our goal is to dive into the fundamentals of ice climbing movement and techniques, giving you hands-on experience with climbing and allowing you to put your newfound knowledge into practice.

By the end of the day, you'll have a solid understanding of the basics of ice climbing and feel confident in your abilities to one day tackle more challenging climbs should you continue to pursue this sport.

why should i choose alpine to the max for ice climbing instruction?

At Alpine to the Max, we take pride in our commitment to providing each and every one of our climbers with a safe, enjoyable ice climbing experience that can only be found in Colorado.

Owner Max Lurie is passionate about teaching and has years of experience as an independent guide. With an emphasis on safety, Max emphasizes proper techniques and provides real-world skills that climbers need for success in the frozen environment.

Our ice climbing lessons for beginners are tailored specifically for those new to the sport, ensuring that you gain confidence quickly and learn the basics of moving on icy terrain at a comfortable pace.

We’ll educate you on proper layering for ice climbing and introduce you to the equipment needed to make your ascent successful. We'll also cover important topics such as belaying and teach you specific skills & techniques so that you have a roadmap to tackle more challenging climbs should you pursue it further.

At Alpine to the Max, our goal is to provide memorable mountain experiences while keeping safety top of mind. So if you're looking for an adventure that will test your limits while taking in some of the most stunning winter landscapes in Colorado, contact us today and join us on this exciting journey!

ice climbing Lessons that are customized to your goals & objectives

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Alpine to the Max offers top-notch ice climbing lessons in Colorado. Below are a list of popular topics we can cover during your lessons with us. Every lesson is customized to the individual climber(s) on the course, so you can be learn and improve your skills more effectively.

Intro to ice climbing

Ready to take on the thrill of scaling frozen waterfalls and explore the excitement of ice climbing? Our Introduction to Ice Climbing Course is the perfect starting point for beginners looking to learn the basics and gain the necessary skills to tackle this exciting sport.

intro to Mountaineering

This course will equip you with all the skills and knowledge you need to start your ice climbing journey with confidence. From mastering the basics of layering to learning how to use crampons and boots effectively, Max will guide you every step of the way.

custom ice objectives

We recognize that everyone's climbing abilities and objectives differ. That's why we offer personalized trips to help you reach your personal ice climbing goals. Let our experienced mountaineer Max Lurie guide you on a journey of exploration, testing your physical and mental limits in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue

n this course, we cover essential glacier travel techniques and crevasse rescue skills. You will learn to identify potential danger spots, use rope work correctly, and practice self-arrest drills. With the knowledge gained here, you can have the confidence to climb mountains like Mount Rainier or Denali with safety and assurance.

learn to lead

For over 10 years, Max Lurie has been climbing and leading ice routes across North America. Take the next step in your journey and join him to learn the skills you need to become a confident lead climber. This course will provide all the necessary knowledge required for success and give you the keys to unlock your dreams of becoming an expert ice climber.

multi pitch ice

This course for experienced climbers offers specialized instruction in multi-pitch ice climbing techniques. Get the skills you need to tackle bigger routes and reach greater heights. Become an expert in the art of multi-pitch ice climbing.

Join Our Community Of Adventurous ice Climbers

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Ice climbers of all experience levels come away from their time with Alpine to the Max in Colorado with expert instruction they can use for future climbs. Check out our glowing reviews below to get an idea of what people have to say about the ice climbing lessons we offer.

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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 Ice Climbing Instructor

Max Lurie is A Dedicated Climbing Expert with a Passion for Adventure

Max Lurie is a seasoned climber with a wealth of experience across rock, ice and alpine disciplines. Holding certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association, Max has over a decade of experience providing personalized climbing instruction and guidance to climbers of all skill levels.

Max honed his ice climbing skills on the challenging and icy routes of Crawford Notch in New England. He has even summited Mount Rainier a remarkable 100 times.

As a climbing guide based in Boulder, he continues to guide and inspire climbers in the winter months near Rocky Mountain National Park and Clear Creek Canyon.

Want to learn more about Max Lurie and Alpine to the Max? Click the button below to watch a short video that showcases his passion for climbing and dedication to adventure.

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Photo of Ice Climbing Guide Max Lurie

colorado venues where we offer guided ice climbing instruction

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Alpine to the Max is an experienced and certified independent guide service with over 10 years of expertise across diverse terrains. Regardless of your current skill level, when you join us for an ice climb, you will receive a premium and personalized experience tailored to your specific requirements

Clear Creek Canyon

This is a great spot for beginner ice climbers coming from the Boulder or Denver metro area to learn the ropes. Boasting some of the best ice climbing to be had in the area, it's a great spot for winter climbers with looking for a wide variety of routes.

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Rocky Mountain National Park

The spine of the continent. Rocky Mountain National Park needs no introduction. RMNP is home to some incredible mountaineering and climbing terrain. Depending on the season alpine rock climbing gives way to backcountry skiing, ice climbing and mountaineering. Test your systems and knowledge in this incredible national park.

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Frequently Asked Questions about ice climbing lessons

If you want to experience an adrenaline-pumping winter activity, ice climbing is the perfect choice. However, before embarking on this thrilling adventure, it's crucial to be fully equipped to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience. To help you prepare for your ice climb lessons with Alpine to the Max, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

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.