Learn How To Ice ClimB In the Ouray Ice Park

Skyward Mountaineering’s winter operations are based in Ridgway, Colorado just outside of Ouray where ice climbing is practically a requirement for residence. Skyward Mountaineering co-owner, Vince Anderson has been guiding in the Ouray Ice Park for over 30 years and has curated ice climbing course curriculums with a unique approach to teaching ice and mixed climbing movement, how to lead climb, and advanced systems for increasing efficiency in the mountains. Our comprehensive curriculums are based on decades of instruction and adapting to modern tools and systems. Our ice climbing clinics are based in the Ouray Ice Park with unparalleled access to ice climbing terrain at a variety of difficulty levels.

An ice climber in a blue jacket is toprope climbing.

Intro To Ice

An ice climber is swinging into a steep pillar of ice.

Steep Ice

A climber is reaching with his ice tool for the next hold on a mixed route of rock and ice.

Mixed Climbing

An ice climber in a green and blue jacket is leading a route in the Ouray Ice Park. She is swinging her ice tool above her head.

LEarn To Lead

All clinics may be customized and are offered upon request at the following rates:

1 climber: $575/day

2 climbers: $385/climber/day

3 climbers: $330/climber/day

4 climbers: $275/climber/day

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Includes:

  • 1 day of guided and instructional ice climbing

  • Group climbing equipment (ropes, ice protection and anchor material)

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Transportation

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity

All ice climbing clinics are held in the Ouray Ice Park, which typically opens by December 25 and remains open reliably through the end of February. Clinics are available for customized private dates during that timeframe.

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Skyward Mountaineering offers ice climbing clinics for a variety of climbing experience and abilities from novice to advanced. Please contact us to discuss your previous experience and goals to help you select the best ice climbing clinic.

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Montrose Regional Airport is 45 minutes from Ouray. There is NO rideshare service, you may book a shuttle service or rent a vehicle with AWD/4WD (for winter driving).

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There are plentiful hotels in downtown Ouray, conveniently located in walking distance to restaurants and the town hot springs for an aprés-climb relaxation.

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Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. Skyward Mountaineering may assist in supplying technical equipment with advanced notice.

An ice axe icon, depicting the personal equipment necessary for this trip.