Half-Day Ice Climbing Lesson near Breckenridge, Colorado

Summary

Guided Ice Climbing Adventure in Summit County

You’ll get hands-on ice climbing instruction from local pros near Breckenridge—gear included and no experience needed. It’s a real taste of Colorado winter adventure for anyone who wants to try something new or sharpen their skills.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the crunch of snow under my boots as we walked up to the frozen wall just outside Silverthorne. The air had that sharp, clean bite you only get in Colorado in winter—kind of wakes you up before you even touch the ice. Our guide, Mike, handed out helmets and axes right from his truck, cracking a joke about how he’s seen every kind of glove except oven mitts. It broke the ice—no pun intended—and made everyone relax a bit.

You don’t have to be an expert here. In our group, one guy had never climbed anything but stairs, while another was talking about “multi-pitch” routes like it was his day job. Mike picked a spot that fit all of us—he knows these climbing zones like the back of his hand. He explained every step: how to kick your boots in, where to swing your axe, and what to do if your fingers start tingling (shake ‘em out, don’t panic). The sound of metal on ice is weirdly satisfying—sort of like tapping glass bottles together.

If you forgot something at home (I left my thick socks), there’s a gear shop right at their Back Country Demo Center in Silverthorne. They’ve got everything from harnesses to jackets—no need to stress about packing perfectly. We climbed for a few hours, swapping stories during breaks and warming our hands on thermoses someone brought along. By the end, I felt muscles I didn’t know existed and honestly didn’t want it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice Climbing Adventure

• Ice climbing with professional guide

Top questions

Do I need any previous climbing experience?

Nope! Beginners are totally welcome—your guide will teach you everything you need right on site.

Is all the equipment provided?

Yes—all the specialty gear for ice climbing is included with your lesson. Just wear warm clothes!

Where exactly does the tour take place?

The climbs are close to Silverthorne in Summit County, not far from Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, and Vail.

Can kids join this activity?

Absolutely! Families and children are welcome as long as everyone has moderate fitness and no major health issues.

What’s included

Your session comes with a professional guide instructor and all necessary ice climbing gear. If you’re missing anything else (like gloves or boots), just ask at our Back Country Demo Center—we’ve got extra rentals available so you can focus on having fun out there.