INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING
Open Enrollment$199
Open Enrollment
Introduction To Ice Climbing
What skills will I learn in the course?
Movement Techniques: Developing efficient tool swinging and crampon footwork (front-pointing vs. flat-footing) to conserve energy.
Rope Systems: Practical instruction on tying in, belaying a partner, and lowering communications.
Terrain Assessment: Insights into reading ice quality, objective hazards, and route selection.
Do I need any prior climbing experience to join this course?
How physically demanding is the Intro to Ice Climbing course?
Why choose Apex Mountain School for your introduction to ice or beginner experience?
Testimonials
Introduction to Ice Climbing (Open Enrollment)
Discover Ice Climbing: Your First Steps into Adventure
Unlock the excitement of climbing frozen waterfalls. This introduction to ice climbing clinic is designed for those eager to explore the thrilling adventure of ice climbing while building the foundational skills needed for future vertical ascents.
Enjoy the serene beauty of frozen cascades and awe-inspiring vertical walls as we guide you through a carefully crafted experience at a pace that works for you. Whether you’re completely new to climbing or have experience with rock climbing and want to take your skills to the next level, this is the perfect opportunity to step into a new world of winter sport.
During this introductory course, we’ll cover important skills and knowledge that will prepare you for more technical ice adventures, including:
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Learning the essential ice climbing equipment (tools, boots, crampons) and how to use it.
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Developing your efficient ice axe swinging and crampon kicking techniques.
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Practical instruction on tying in, belaying, and clear voice commands.
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Insights into reading ice conditions and selecting safe climbing lines.
This experience is open to individuals, groups, or families ready to explore their first vertical ice adventure. Choose from a range of tailored itineraries near Vail, Colorado, and get ready to start your journey into the rewarding world of ice climbing.
Private Guided Ice Climbing Outings Available Daily
Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult
Duration:
6 – 7 hours
Location:
Vail, Colorado
Policies
Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policy
Contact Us for Large Group bookings.
Welcome & Course Overview
- Meet your instructor and group
- Review course goals and safety guidelines
Gear Orientation
- Introduction to ice gear (tools/crampons, boots, safety equipment)
- Proper packing techniques
- Helmet and harness basics
Rope and Safety Systems
- Tying in fundamentals
- Belaying and voice commands
- Knots and systems overview
Movement on Ice
- Crampon fundamentals
- Swinging an ice tool
- Terrain navigation and route selection
Top Rope Climbing Practice
- Ascending the ice
- Managing fatigue
- Descent/lowering
Intro to Objective Hazard
- Identifying ice terrain
- Weather and group management
- Safe zones and falling ice
Field Application & Skill Integration
- Climbing session
- Self assessment
Wrap-Up & Q&A
- Review key lessons
- Instructor feedback
- Recommendations for next steps (e.g., Intermediate Ice, Multi-Pitch)
Apex Mountain School Provides
- Professional instruction by experienced guides
- All technical gear – boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, helmet, and rope, as well as all other climbing equipment.
- Introduction to backcountry gear usage
- Field-based learning and skills practice
- Use of avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel – available for rental)
- Group management and terrain assessment techniques
- Opportunity to apply skills in real terrain
What to Bring
Each person in your party will need.
- Beacon/Probe/Shovel (rental available) No Plastic Shovels Please
- 1-2 water bottles or thermos
- Lunch, and high energy snacks such as nut bars, cookies, chocolate
- Headwear – Visor or Cap, Hat or Helmet
- Goggles, Sunglasses
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Gloves (an extra warm pair in your bag is advised)
- Synthetic or wool base layer
- Mid Weight base layer fleece or sweater
- Puffy Jacket
- Shell Jacket
- Synthetic or wool long johns
- Ski/mountaineering pants (soft shell) with zippered vents OR mid weight fleece layer and shell pants
- Synthetic or wool socks optimum weight for your boot fit
- Sunscreen
- Pack (25-30 Liters) that can accommodate, shovel, probe, skins, 1-2 water bottles or thermos, lunch, snacks, extra clothing when climbing, goggles…
ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Hot liquid
- Gaiters
- Liner socks
- Adjustable Poles
- Extra gloves
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Camera
Preparation:
- Be in good physical condition for hiking uphill and spending the day in the winter outdoors.
- Arrive well-rested and ready to learn outdoors
- Bring a notebook or phone to take notes if desired
Other Outings You Might Like
BRECKENRIDGE ICE CLIMBING
COLORADO ICE CLIMBING
MULTI PITCH ICE CLIMBING
RESCUE COMBO
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
LEVEL 2
Deepen your avalanche safety expertise with our AIARE Level 2 course, designed for backcountry users who want to advance their understanding of snowpack and risk management.
PRIVATE LEVEL 1
Get personalized avalanche education tailored to your group’s needs. Our private AIARE Level 1 course ensures focused instruction and flexibility in scheduling.
PRIVATE LEVEL 2
Experience a custom learning environment in our private AIARE Level 2 course, designed for people looking for in-depth avalanche training with personalized attention.
RESCUE
Learn and practice the skills needed to respond to an avalanche accident. If there’s an avalanche, an efficient and intentional response is crucial.
ZOOM LEVEL 1
If you have put off taking your Apex AIARE Level 1 course because you couldn’t or don’t want to take a Friday off from work, we have the solution.
LEVEL 1 PREPARATION
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
REFRESHER
During an AIARE course there is a great deal of information presented. Often when we return to the backcountry it is difficult to remember everything we have learned and practiced in the last course.
LEVEL 1
Be prepared when traveling in the backcountry with an AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course. Learn how to make informed decisions in order to mitigate risk in adverse conditions.
Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620