Private Ice Instruction

The world famous Ouray Ice Park is the best place to learn and improve skills. The classic backcountry ice routes in our backyard offer beautiful climbs to test your ability and experience the winter wilderness. In addition to our programs that focus purely on ice climbing instruction, we also guide many of the classic San Juan backcountry ice climbs. Climbing objectives range from one-pitch wonders to 900+ foot multi-pitch ice climbing like Stairway to Heaven in Silverton. A popular program is to book two days of ice climbing instruction in the Ouray Ice Park and then a third day for a classic backcountry ice climb.

The San Juan Mountains have enough backcountry ice climbs to keep even local ice climbers busy for years. Routes are very dependent upon proper conditions as many of these climbs have severe avalanche hazard. Additionally, some routes do not come into condition each and every season. Be patient and flexible with your route choices and plan to get out of bed early. Get ready for an excellent Ouray ice climbing experience!

Custom Program Rates:
1:1 $350; 2:1 $220; 3:1 $180; 4:1 $160
All rates are per climber, per day. Special rates are available to groups.All ice climbing equipment is included. ($20 additional fee for Silverton and Telluride climbs) Book Now

Half Day Program Rates:
1:1 $225; 2:1 $150; 3:1 $125; 4:1 $100
All rates are per climber, per day. Special rates are available to groups.All ice climbing equipment is included. Book Now

Dear San Juan Mountain Guides:
 
I was recently in Ouray for my first time as part of a Mazama group from Portland Oregon. I guess the Mazamas have used your service for quite a few years in Ouray and everyone highly recommended participating in the "guide day" during our trip.
I am a beginner to ice climbing and my guide was Matt Wade. Matt was absolutely fabulous. He had a very patient and very calm demeanor that really helped me focus in on the skills that he was trying to teach. I appreciated the time he spent going over anchors in addition to the time spent on climbing instruction. By the end of the day I completed a route that I had flailed (and failed) on day before.
Our group determined that I definitely qualified for a "most improved climber" award and it was really all thanks to Matt's instruction.
So, I just wanted to say thank you for your wonderful service. Everyone else in our group spoke very highly of their guides as well. I'll definitely be coming back next year.

Sarah Bradham -Portland, OR