INTERMEDIATE ICE CLIMBING
Starting from$193 pp
Take your ice climbing to the next level, refining your skills and taking on more challenging ice formations. Perfect for climbers with some experience who are ready to advance.
Ice Climbing School
Intermediate Ice Climbing
Who is the intermediate ice climbing course designed for?
This course is ideal for climbers who have some experience with ice climbing or have completed a beginner course and are ready to take their skills to the next level. It’s perfect for those looking to advance their technique, learn new gear applications, and challenge themselves on intermediate ice routes.
What new skills will I learn in an intermediate ice climbing course?
In our intermediate course, you’ll refine your climbing posture, learn advanced crampon techniques, practice building anchors, and gain an understanding of proper gear use. You’ll also cover efficient climbing strategies, belaying methods, and an overview of ice protection to help you climb confidently on more challenging terrain.
What types of routes will we climb during the intermediate session?
Vail’s East Ice Falls feature a variety of exciting intermediate routes, including ice curtains, pillars, and sections for dry tooling. You’ll have the opportunity to climb intermediate technical ice that will challenge your skills and provide a rewarding experience. Our guides will choose routes that align with your abilities and help you push your limits while enjoying every moment on the ice.
Can intermediate ice climbing help me prepare for mixed climbing or advanced mountaineering?
Certainly! Intermediate ice climbing is a great stepping stone for those interested in exploring mixed climbing or taking on more advanced mountaineering objectives. The skills you’ll develop, such as anchor building and efficient climbing posture, will serve as a strong foundation for tackling more technical climbs in the future.
Testimonials
Intermediate Ice Climbing
All ages 12 and up
Vail provides some of the best ice climbing in Colorado. The East Vail ice falls, well-known for their accessibility and history in ice and mixed climbing, appeal to beginner, intermediate and advanced climbers the world over.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself on intermediate terrain, this course is a great way to advance your skills in climbing, belaying, gear knowledge, establishing anchors, and perhaps even leading.
We’ll teach you how to use more efficient climbing posture and technique, creating ease in both your style and your experience of the route. Climbing options include ice curtains, pillars, dry tool routes and mixed routes of varying difficulty.
Fair warning: after this one, you’ll never want to put your ice tools down!
Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult
Duration:
6 – 7 hours
Location:
Vail, CO (East Vail)
Leadville, CO (Chalk Creek)
Lake City, CO
Policies
Special Requests:
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
- A brief review of the basics
- Climbing technique and body posture, including rest techniques for more efficient climbing
- Intermediate gear use – specialized tools, belaying methods, anchors, etc.
- Existing and new top anchors
- Techniques for reducing risk
- Rappelling methods
- Ice protection overview
- Multi-pitching overview
- Potential mock lead climbing
Private courses are offered daily. A private guide and all the technical ice climbing gear you will need (ice tools, crampons, ice climbing boots, belay equipment, ropes, helmets and harnesses) are included.
Available daily
Includes
- Guided ice climbing tour led by professional instructors
- Skill development for climbers with prior ice experience
- Advanced climbing techniques and movement coaching
- Training in anchor building and rope management
- Focus on safety systems, belaying, and efficient climbing
- All technical climbing gear provided (helmet, harness, crampons, tools, ropes, etc.)
- Access to quality climbing routes in the Vail, Colorado area
- Small group sizes for personalized attention
Excludes
- Personal clothing (base layers, gloves, jacket, snow pants, etc.)
- Winter boots (available to rent if needed)
- Food, snacks, and drinks for the day
- Transportation to and from the meeting location
- Lodging or accommodations
- Beacon (rental available)
- *No cotton – cotton does not wick moisture or insulate when wet.
- Synthetic or wool long underwear bottom (thin)
- Synthetic or wool long sleeve top (medium)
- Mid layer top and bottom
- Synthetic or wool socks
- Winter jacket
- Insulated “Puffy” Jacket
- Snow pants
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Small day pack
- Water bottle (able to hold 32 oz)
- Food
ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Thermos of hot liquid
- Gaiters
- Extra gloves
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Camera
APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL PROVIDES
- Boots
- Crampons
- Ice Axes
- Helmet
- Harness (42”/44” max)
- Prior ice climbing experience required
- Wear moisture-wicking base layers
- Bring warm mid-layers and waterproof outerwear
- Use insulated, waterproof gloves (plus a backup pair)
- Wear a warm hat that fits under a helmet
- Bring sunglasses or goggles
- Wear thick wool or synthetic socks
- Use waterproof winter or mountaineering boots
- Carry a backpack with water, snacks, and extra layers
Other Outings You Might Like
BRECKENRIDGE ICE CLIMBING
With a variety of routes available, this area offers the perfect ice climbing adventure for climbers of all levels.
COLORADO ICE CLIMBING
Colorado’s ice climbing terrain is legendary, offering pristine frozen waterfalls and stunning alpine routes for adventurers of all levels.
MULTI PITCH ICE CLIMBING
Perfect for climbers ready to push their limits and experience Colorado’s most dramatic winter landscapes.
VAIL ICE CLIMBING
Explore Vail’s stunning frozen waterfalls and ice formations, featuring some of the best and most accessible ice climbing on the planet.
Mixed Climbing
Blend ice and rock climbing in this exhilarating sport. Climbers use specialized equipment, including ice axes and crampons, to ascend routes that feature both rock and frozen terrain.
BY LOCATION
Experience ice climbing across Colorado’s premier locations, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking frozen terrain
DAY TRIPS
Embark on an unforgettable ice climbing adventure with our dedicated guides as you explore Colorado’s stunning frozen landscapes.
Beginner Ice Climbing
Learn the essentials of ice climbing on frozen waterfalls in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.
Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620