Our 2 day basic ice climbing courses were such a great success last winter and we are excited to offer more courses this ice climbing season! We have also added an intermediate ice climbing course for those who want to step it up a notch!

Our group instructional ice climbing courses are fixed date courses allowing individuals to gain the instruction they need without the expense of a private guide. Over the past decade San Juan Mountain Guides, LLC has developed a great curriculum for developing efficient and elegant ice climbers. We are excited to now be able to pass on our knowledge to groups of motivated ice climbers.

Listed below are the available beginner and intermediate and expert ice climbing courses for the 2008 / 2009 Winter ice climbing season. All ice climbing equipment is included in our courses.

2-Day Basic Ice Climbing Course
For those new to the sport of ice climbing, we offer a 2-day Basic Ice Climbing Course . This course is centered at the world-renowned Ouray Ice Park; a scenic, rock walled gorge with hundreds of frozen waterfall climbs cascading from the rim above. Due to its ease of access from the hotel and its vast amount of terrain for all ability levels, the Ouray Ice Park is the premier destination for ice climbing instruction. This course begins on low angle terrain where we introduce proper footwork and use of crampons; emphasizing balance and technique over strength. From there we venture onto progressively steeper terrain to learn and practice techniques for steep ice climbing, including two-tool and zig-zag methods. Throughout the course discussion will also address belay methods, protective systems, and safety precautions for ice climbing. 
Basic Ice Climbing course costs $320, 2 days -Saturday and Sunday, maximum ratio 4:1- All ice climbing equipment is included.
Start dates: 12/13/08, 12/20/08,12/27/08, 12/30/08(Tue/wed),1/3/09, 1/17/09, 1/24/09, 1/31/09, 2/7/09, 2/14/09, 2/21/09, 2/28/09, 3/7/09, 3/14/09. Book Now

"You truly run a first class operation.   Your ability to accommodate the various skill levels in our group, while ensuring that everyone had a great time and continued to be challenged was awesome.  You can be assured I will recommend your company and services to anyone that asks.  I now have a baseline and know what I need to do in preparation for the next climb.  I look forward to seeing you next winter. Thanks again.You guys rock (or ice)".- Norm Bunton
Scottsdale, Arizona

"Just wanted to say it was nice meeting you all, and wanted to compliment you on your operation there in Ouray. Kevin, you really kept Leonard, Alan and I on our toes(heels down!!). We three clients were talking about how you adapted the class exactly to our skill and comfort levels, and really kept things interesting out there! It just shows how much experience counts when it comes to guiding and teaching. I'm not sure what that last long climb we did on Sunday is called, but that was definitely the final exam!"     -John Settle Leadville, CO

                                                                                                       

2 Day Intermediate Ice Climbing Course
For those who have had several days of ice climbing instruction, and are interested in furthering their skills for more difficult ice climbs, alpine ascents, or developing leading skills we offer a 2 day intermediate ice climbing course. This program begins with a brief review of introductory techniques but rapidly progresses to advanced levels of instruction in area's such as improving efficiency and skill on steep ice, learning mixed climbing techniques like "dry tooling", learning the mental and physical skills to become a lead climber, or learning systems for multi-pitch climbing. This ice climbing course commonly utilizes the Ouray Ice Park for some or all of the instruction; Many participants book a third day of ice climbing with a private guide to attack one of the areas classic multi-pitch backcountry ice routes and makes use of all the climbing skills practiced earlier in the program
Intermediate Ice Climbing Course costs $360, 2 days Saturday Sunday, maximum ratio 3:1- All ice climbing equipment is included.
Start dates: 12/27/08, 1/17/09, 2/21/08, and 2/28/09 Book Now

Advanced Intermediate Ice -3 Day Course February 27-29 and March 5-7 $660 2:1max ratio ** We have designed this longer intermediate ice climbing course for those who have done a bit of ice climbing and are ready to progress beyond that intermediate level. We will start with a day in the Ouray ice park then tackle some of the backcountry classics. With the small 2:1 ratio we can focus on whatever the participants want. We always try to pair clients with similar ability.  Book Now

5 Day Expert's Ice Climbing Seminar
We are proud to reintroduce this post-icefest intensive ice climbing seminar. This seminar is designed for individuals with significant ice climbing experience who are looking to break into the harder grades and more complex systems. We will begin with a review of advanced techniques for steep terrain and multi-pitch environments. The last three days will be spent focusing on the specific goals of each participant. Areas of focus will include: lead strategies, multi-pitch transitions, mixed climbing techniques, introductory avalanche assessment, self-rescue, and many more. This seminar will have a very low ratio of no more than 2 clients to each guide on backcountry days and no more than 3:1 for park days. This will enable us to give personal attention and offer the participants lots of practice time with in depth analysis from our top guides. We plan on spending at least two days in the backcountry doing long routes and difficult individual pitches. We recommend that potential participants have climbed with us before and have a distinct idea of what they want to accomplish during these five days.
5 Day Expert's Ice Climbing Seminar costs $1100, January 26 -30, 2009, All ice climbing equipment is included. Book Now

If these dates do not meet your schedule we are happy to set up Private Guiding for yourself or your group.