Backcountry Ice Climbing in Telluride: Learn Multi-Pitch Routes

Master single- and multi-pitch ice climbs in remote backcountry terrain.

Backcountry ice climbing instruction in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Ouray and Silverton with Mountain Trip's AMGA-certified guides. You'll learn ice climbing techniques, safety protocols and alpine skills on customized routes matched to your level, from beginner to advanced, with all technical gear supplied. The experience runs eight hours and includes pickup.

The experience

Mountain Trip has been running guided ice climbing trips since 1973, and their guides are AMGA certified or trained. The standard that matters in the mountains. You'll spend the day on routes tailored to your skill level and goals, whether you're learning your first ice climb or working on multi-pitch sequences. The instruction covers the techniques that keep you safe and moving: how to use crampons and ice tools, how to read the ice, how to place protection and manage rope. All technical gear comes with you (boots, crampons, ice tools, harness and helmet), so you show up ready to climb.

The terrain is remote backcountry in the San Juan Mountains, with ice flows and formations that change with the season and the weather. Routes near Ouray, Silverton and Telluride offer variety in angle, length and character, and your guide will choose what fits the conditions and what you came to learn. An eight-hour day gives time for instruction, climbing and the travel to reach the ice. Pickup is included, which means you don't manage the drive to the trailhead yourself.

What’s included

• All technical gear for ice climbing, including boots, crampons, ice tools, harness and helmet.
• expert instruction on ice climbing techniques, safety protocols and alpine skills.
• customized routes matched to your skill level.
• pickup to the trailhead.
• a guide trained or certified by the American Mountain Guiding Association.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mountain Trip

Is this one for you?The eight-hour day and moderate-to-strenuous climbing mean you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness and be comfortable with sustained effort on steep terrain. The trip is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you are pregnant.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between a beginner route and an advanced one on this trip?

Mountain Trip customizes routes to match your skill level and goals, so beginners learn on terrain that builds confidence with fundamental techniques, while advanced climbers work on steeper pitches and more complex sequences. The guide assesses what you need on the day and chooses accordingly.

Do I need to have climbed ice before to book this?

No. Mountain Trip runs trips for all skill levels, from people taking their first swing at ice to experienced climbers seeking a new challenge. The guide provides expert instruction on essential techniques and safety protocols, so beginners get the foundation they need.

What happens if the weather changes or the ice conditions aren't good?

Your guide monitors conditions and chooses routes that are safe and climbable on the day. The San Juan Mountains offer multiple ice flows near Ouray, Silverton and Telluride, so there's usually an option that works, but the guide's call on safety always comes first.

What should I bring besides the climbing gear?

Bring personal clothing appropriate for a full day in the mountains: layers, a warm hat, gloves and insulated boots work well, since you'll be climbing in cold conditions. The guide can advise on specifics when you book. Lunch is not included, so bring food and water for the day.

How does the eight-hour day break down?

The time includes pickup, travel to the climbing area, instruction, climbing itself and the return. Most of the day is spent on the ice learning and climbing, but the exact split depends on where the routes are and how much time instruction takes.