Lake City, Colorado

Ice Climbing

Lake City is home to a secluded and still growing ice park just outside of historic downtown. Set at a higher elevation and tucked into the Colorado mountains, this remote mountain town is still a well kept secret in winter months. Come visit Lake City for a private ice climbing experience on the towering vertical cliffs of ice at the Ice Park or venture into the nearby backcountry for a classic multipitch route.

A climber in a neon green jacket climbs a steep pitch of ice. Photographed from above.

Lake City Ice Park

Escape the crowds and enjoy the tallest and most sustained ice climbing routes at any ice park in North America! With over 70 routes and continuing to expand each year, Lake City Ice Park is quickly becoming a world class ice climbing destination, all with the comforts of easy accessibility in a remarkably casual setting. Defined by a wall of ice comprised of mostly WI4 terrain, with pitch lengths around 35 - 50 meters tall the Lake City Ice Park is a great destination for ice climbers looking to experience fun, new routes and improve their efficiency on steeper ice climbing routes.

Bonus Routes

The surrounding backcountry in Cuba Gulch hosts several classic multipitch routes. These backcountry ice climbs can be combined with a guided trip to the Lake City Ice Park to round out your ice climbing experience.

The Lake City Ice Park does not have specific opening dates or hours, the wall typically develops ice and the river crossing freezes over by mid December and remains in good condition through late March.

For intermediate to advanced climbers, approaches are less than 1 minute!

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is 1 hour from Lake City. You may also choose to fly into Montrose Regional Airport and carpool with your guide in a rental vehicle. Skyward Mountaineering does not provide transportation.

Lake City is very quiet in the winter, most businesses are closed. The North Face Lodge or Matterhorn Motel are convenient options open throughout the winter.

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

    • Underwear: Should be comfortable for a full day of activity, synthetic or merino wool will wick moisture away from the body

    • Heavyweight socks: Over-the-calf winter weight for superior warmth. Layering two pairs of socks is not recommended as it may impede blood flow and make your toes colder

    • Warm hat: Should be thin enough to fit under your helmet

    • Neck gaiter: Optional, lightweight and versatile for adding warmth around ears or covering your face in windy conditions

    • Softshell climbing gloves: Waterproof with high dexterity. 2 pairs recommended, one midweight and one heavyweight. Guide’s midweight recommendation - Showa Temres 282-02 (size up one from normal)

    • Mixed climbing gloves: Optional, these highly dexterous gloves have minimal insulation and are best for warmer days, lead climbing or mixed climbing

    • Midweight top baselayer: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away. Thumb loops are recommended to keep your wrists from being exposed and your hands warmer

    • Heavyweight bottom baselayer

    • Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection

    • Active insulation jacket: Ideal balance of breathability and warmth for winter aerobic activity

    • Midweight vest: Optional, adds warmth to your core without restricting movement

    • Softshell jacket: Midweight with a helmet compatible hood. Should have Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating

    • Softshell pants: Midweight with reinforced instep.  Avoid ski pants as they are often too baggy and likely to catch on your crampons

    • Insulated parka: Down is lighter/more compressible and a hydrophobic treated down will insulate even when wet. Should have at least 200 grams of 800 fill insulation

    • Climbing backpack: Approximately 30 liters with ice tool attachments

    • Mountaineering boots: Must be rigid with toe and heel welts for full crampon compatibility

    • Vertical frontpoint crampons: Dualpoints are better for continuous ice while monopoints are lighter and better suited for mixed climbing

    • Crampon pouch: Reusing a USPS Tyvek mailing package is a cost effective option, though specific manufactured options exist and are more durable

    • Technical ice tools: Remove any adze attachment as this may pose an unnecessary hazard for waterfall ice climbing

    • Climbing helmet: Must be UIAA certified

    • Harness: Recommended ice clipper compatibility

    • Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner

    • 48 inch (120cm) sewn nylon sling: A Personal Anchor System (PAS) can be used instead, though is less versatile

    • 1-2 Locking carabiners: Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner

    • 1-2 Non locking carabiners: Wiregates are less prone to freezing

    • 2 Ice Clippers: Optional

    • Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 3 lenses w/ athletic fit

    • Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick

    • First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications

    • Hand warmers: Optional, for those colder days

    • Fully charged phone

    • 1-2 liters of water: A thermos with your favorite hot drink is recommended. Avoid water bladders and hoses as they are prone to puncture and freezing in a winter environment

    • High energy lunch and snacks: A healthy mix of fats, sugar, and protein for a full day of the on-the-go (leftover pizza or sandwiches are a great midday pick-me-up)

1 climber: $575/day

2 climbers: $385/climber/day

3 climbers: $330/climber/day

4 climbers: $275/climber/day

Includes:

  • 1 day of guided climbing with an AMGA Alpine guide

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

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Transportation

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity