Intermediate Ice Climbing
All ages 12 and up
Vail Ice provides some of the best 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!
Potential Topics
- 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, as well as pre-scheduled open enrollment courses (see above). 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.
Booking / More Info
All ages 12 and up
INTERMEDIATE ICE CLIMBING – QUICK INFO
Enjoy all Colorado has to offer this winter with an Intermediate Ice Climbing Course.
All ages 12 and up
DATES
Available daily
DURATION
6-7 hours
COST
Max client to guide ratio 5:1
- $215 – 5+ people
- $235 – 4 people
- $260 – 3 people
- $295 – 2 people
- $560 – 1 person
LOCATION
Vail, CO (East Vail)
Leadville, CO (Chalk Creek)
Lake City, CO
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Difficult
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
WHAT TO BRING
- 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 told 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)
During times of Covid-19 concern please bring:
Face mask, Hand Sanitizer, Rubber Gloves (if desired)