Ice Climbing in Telluride & Ouray

The best guided ice climbing adventure in Colorado

Find the Right Ice Climbing Trip
Talk to a Guide

Mountain Trip has guided climbers across the globe since 1973.

From first swings to multi-pitch routes, our ice climbing courses are led by veteran guides who have often spent decades climbing and teaching in Telluride, Ouray, and the greater San Juan Mountains. Whether you’re stepping onto ice for the first time or refining technique for steeper terrain, our programs focus on movement, efficiency, and real-world decision making, so you leave with skills you can confidently use beyond the course.

New to Ice Climbing? You’re Not Alone.

Ice climbing is built on skill and progression. Whether you are stepping onto ice for the first time or refining technique on steeper terrain, our courses meet you where you are and focus on movement, efficiency, and real climbing systems.

No prior climbing experience required

You don’t need to be strong, technique matters more

All technical gear provided

We start on terrain appropriate to you

Mountain Trip has been guiding ice climbs in the San Juan Mountains for decades. We’re Telluride’s only AMGA-accredited guide service, trusted by first-timers and experienced climbers alike.

Choose Your Adventure

Half-Day Telluride

No. This trip is designed for first-time climbers, with progression available for those with experience.

Yes. We regularly guide beginners, families, and guests looking for a first introduction to ice climbing.

Approximately 4–5 hours, including instruction and climbing time.

At accessible ice climbing areas near Telluride, selected based on conditions and ability level.

Yes. All climbing is done on top rope for safety and instruction.

All technical gear is included: ice tools, helmet, harness, crampons, and mountaineering boots.

Warm layers, gloves, and personal clothing. A full equipment list is provided after booking.

Your guide will adjust terrain and instruction to match your experience and goals.

Moderate. No prior climbing fitness is required, but participants should be comfortable being active outdoors in winter conditions.

Guides make all weather-related decisions with safety as the priority. Trips may be adjusted or rescheduled if needed.

Spots are limited and fill quickly. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Full payment is required at booking. Cancellations or changes must be made at least 72 hours in advance for a refund.

Group Rates

•  $269 PP (Group of Two)
•  $209 PP (Group of Three)
•  $189 PP (Group of Four)

One-on-One – $399

Book Your Course
Talk to a Guide

Ouray Ice Park

Yes. The Ouray Ice Park is one of the best places in the world for first-time ice climbers, including kids and families.

No experience is required. Our guides tailor instruction to your comfort and ability level.

Half-day trips (4–5 hours) are perfect for first-timers. Full-day trips offer more climbing, skill progression, and route variety.

Approximately 4–5 hours, including instruction and climbing time.

Up to 8 hours, with breaks and pacing adjusted to your group.

All climbing happens inside the Ouray Ice Park, located just south of downtown Ouray.

Trips typically start between 7:00–8:00 a.m. Weekend starts may be earlier to avoid crowds.

All technical gear is provided: ice tools, helmet, harness, crampons, and mountaineering boots.

Warm winter layers, gloves, and personal clothing. A full gear list is provided after booking.

Most half-day guests climb 2–4 routes. Full-day guests usually climb 4–7 routes.

Yes. Most climbing is done on top rope for safety, especially for beginners.

Yes. Full-day trips can include technique refinement, steeper ice, mixed climbing, anchors, and multi-pitch systems.

Yes. All Ouray Ice Park trips are private, allowing full customization.

Moderate. No special fitness is required, but you should be comfortable being active outdoors in winter conditions.

Guide services, all technical equipment, and the required Ouray Ice Park commercial use fee.

*Half-Day 
1:1 – $409
2:1 – $279/climber
3:1 – $219/climber
4:1 – $189/climber

*Full-Day Pricing*
1:1 – $529/climber
2:1 – $389/climber
3:1 – $309/climber
4:1 – $269/climber

Book a Half-Day
Book a Full-Day
Talk to a Guide

Best 4 Days of Ouray

This trip is ideal for climbers who want a full, immersive ice climbing experience. Some prior climbing or ice experience is helpful, but instruction is built in.

No, but this is not a beginner-only trip. Instruction is customized to your ability and goals.

A guided mix of Ouray Ice Park climbing and classic backcountry ice routes, customized to conditions and your objectives.

No. All four days are flexible and adjusted based on weather, conditions, and your preferences.

You’ll meet your guide at the Mountain Trip office in Ouray each morning.

Most days run from approximately 7:30–8:00 a.m. to 3:30–4:00 p.m., with earlier starts possible for backcountry days.

All technical gear is included: ice tools, helmet, harness, crampons, and mountaineering boots.

You will need to provide your own personal clothing and footwear, though technical ice climbing boots are available for rent if needed.

  • Clothing: Bring layers suitable for cold winter conditions (base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof shell).

  • Footwear: You need stiff, crampon-compatible mountaineering or ice climbing boots.

  • Food & Water: You are responsible for your own lunch, snacks, and water for each day.

  • Technical Gear: Mountain Trip provides all necessary technical equipment, including:

    • Ice tools

    • Crampons

    • Helmet

    • Harness

    • Belay device

 

Yes, depending on conditions and experience, but extremely hard multi-pitch objectives are not included on this trip.

Yes. Multiple days may be spent in the Ouray Ice Park to build skills and access a wide variety of routes.

A rest day can be built into the itinerary, or the trip can be condensed into four consecutive climbing days.

Moderate to strenuous. Participants should be comfortable climbing multiple days in a row in winter terrain.

Your guide may change objectives to maximize learning.

Full payment is required at booking. Cancellations or changes must be made at least 72 hours in advance for a refund.

Group Rate – $1,449 each
(two climbers)

One-on-One – $2,049

Book Your Adventure
Talk to a Guide

Learn to Lead

This course is for climbers who already have ice climbing experience and want to transition to leading ice.

Yes. You should be comfortable top-rope ice climbing before enrolling.

No. This is an intermediate-to-advanced progression course focused on leading skills.

Three full days of guided instruction and climbing.

Yes. This is a custom, private program for up to two people only.

You’ll learn ice screw placements, lead technique, anchor building, rope systems, risk management, and efficient movement on ice.

Yes. You will practice leading ice under close supervision from an AMGA-trained or certified guide.

In the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding areas, depending on conditions and objectives.

No. The course is customized daily based on conditions, ability, and learning goals.

All technical climbing gear is included: ice tools, crampons, helmet, harness, and mountaineering boots.

Personal clothing and layers for winter climbing. A detailed gear list is provided after booking.

The guide-to-client ratio for this trip is 1:1 or 2:1.

  • 1:1 Ratio: $2,049

  • 2:1 Ratio: $1,449 per person

This is a private program designed for up to 2 people. If you have a group larger than a 2:1 ratio, you will need to contact the Mountain Trip office directly.

1:1 or 2:1, depending on your booking preference.

Your guide may change objectives to maximize learning.

Yes. This course is often used by instructors and experienced climbers looking to refine systems and decision-making.

Rates
Private – $1,450 (call to book)
Two Climbers (Group Rate)
$1,099 per person

Book Your Adventure
Talk to a Guide

Learn from Guides
Who Actually Live It

Mountain Trip is not a faceless company or a commercial factory. We are a small team of guides who have spent our lives in big mountains. Avalanche education is not a box we check. It’s the same approach to safety we use on Denali, Everest, and every local backcountry tour.

Meet Todd Rutledge & Bill Allen

They’re the owners, the instructors, and often the ones who pick up the phone. Their goggle tan lines and genuine love for the mountains tell you everything. These are the guides you want on your side.

Get on a call with us

Still have questions about ice climbing?

Open the questions to learn more and decide which adventure is right for you or call our office. We’d love to walk you through it.

Contact us
Is ice climbing in Telluride good for beginners?

Yes. Ice climbing around Telluride is well suited for beginners when done with a guide. The area offers roadside-accessible climbs, controlled top-rope setups, and terrain that allows instructors to tailor objectives to first-time climbers.

Guided ice climbing near Telluride takes place in multiple permitted areas, including Bridal Veil Falls, Bear Creek, Ames Wall, and nearby San Juan Mountain venues. Guides choose locations based on conditions, experience level, and weather.

Absolutely. The Ouray Ice Park is considered one of the best beginner ice climbing venues in the world. Routes are clearly marked, anchors are fixed, and difficulty ranges from very easy to extremely advanced.

You do not legally need a guide, but beginners are strongly encouraged to climb with one. A professional guide manages rope systems, terrain selection, safety, and instruction—allowing new climbers to focus on movement and learning.

The Ice Park is free to the public, however authorized guide services contribute $25 per guest as a service fee. Guided climbing costs vary depending on whether you choose a half-day, full-day, or multi-day program. 

Mountain Trip is the only AMGA-accredited guide service based in Telluride and guides extensively in Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton. Their guides live locally and are permitted in the region’s premier ice venues.

For most people, yes. Guided ice climbing provides professional instruction, safe systems, quality equipment, and efficient progression—especially valuable for first-time climbers or those building skills for alpine objectives.

Ice climbing lessons typically cover:

  • Ice tool and crampon technique
  • Movement and balance on ice
  • Belaying and rope management
  • Hazard awareness and safety systems
  • Efficient climbing strategies

    Lessons are adapted to your experience level and goals.

Classes range from half-day (about 4 hours) to full-day or multi-day courses. Half-day programs are popular for first-timers or travelers with limited time.

The Ouray–Telluride–Silverton corridor in the San Juan Mountains is widely regarded as Colorado’s premier ice climbing region, offering reliable conditions, massive route density, and world-class venues.

Winter activities in Ouray include soaking in hot springs, snowshoeing, ski touring, winter photography, and attending festivals and clinics.

Yes—especially with a guide. Many climbers’ first-ever ice climb takes place at Ouray Ice Park thanks to its controlled environment and wide range of beginner-friendly routes.

In addition to ice climbing, Telluride offers alpine skiing, backcountry skiing, avalanche courses, via ferrata (seasonal), snowshoeing, and winter trekking.

Winter activities in Ouray include soaking in hot springs, snowshoeing, ski touring, winter photography, and attending festivals and clinics.

Look for:

  • AMGA accreditation
  • Local guiding permits
  • Experienced, locally based guides
  • Quality equipment and instruction

These factors ensure safety, legality, and a better learning experience.

Often called Ouray Ice Fest, the Ouray Ice Festival is an annual winter event featuring clinics, demos, competitions, and social events, attracting climbers from around the world.

A half-day ice climbing tour typically lasts around four hours, including instruction, climbing time, and transitions.

Pricing depends on trip length, group size, and location. Half-day guided ice climbing is generally the most affordable option, with full-day and multi-day programs offering deeper instruction.

Yes. Ouray is roughly 1–1.5 hours from Telluride, making it an easy day trip or short overnight addition to a Telluride winter vacation.Pricing depends on trip length, group size, and location. Half-day guided ice climbing is generally the most affordable option, with full-day and multi-day programs offering deeper instruction.

Five Hard Earned Stars on Google

“Did a 1/2 day introductory ice climbing trip with Mountain Trip guides in the lower Ames valley. It was a great experience and our guide was very knowledgeable and professional. Definitely recommend it!!”
Matt Kowal
“Mountain Trip took us ice climbing, and it was INCREDIBLE!! For me and my teenage daughter, it was a truly memorable experience. We felt 100% safe.”
Douglas Levy
“Awesome time ice climbing with this company! It is such a new and fun experience. Steven, our guide, made sure we were always comfortable.”
Jane Pyast

Ready to take on Ice Climbing?

Give us a call and we’ll get you set up with the most experienced instructors and guides in the business.

Talk to a guide

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Share Button