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 2012/2013 Winter ice climbing season. All ice climbing equipment is included in our courses.
2-Day Basic Ice Climbing Course
Basic Ice Climbing course costs $350, 2 days - Saturday and Sunday, maximum ratio 4:1 - All ice climbing equipment is included.
Start dates: 2012 / 2013 Dates Coming Soon!
First Day of Course (usually a Saturday)
Meet at 0730 at our shop in at 725 Main St. in Ouray. We recommend grabbing breakfast and/or lunch from Backstreet Bagel across stret. Your Course Leader will give you a quick briefing, help you fill out a couple forms, and fit you in whatever demo equipment you might need.
You will then carpool to the Ouray Ice Park for a full day of instruction. Return to the shop is usually between 1500 and 1600 depending on the group. The first day generally covers: Movement skills for up to WI4 terrain, Anchoring, Screw placement, belaying, knots, and tons more.
Second Day of Course
Meet at 0730, carpool to the ice park. Review fundamentals from Day 1, and then take off on more advanced climbs and alpine scenarios designed to maximize your learning through hands-on practice and feedback. We usually try to do at least one route on this day that maximizes dramatic photo opportunities as well.
Leave the park around 1530. Check in demo gear and settle financials. Do a group debrief and give out certificates.
We have honed our curriculum and itinerary through many years of ice climbing instruction. These courses offer a great way to introduce yourself to the sport of ice climbing in a fun, more affordable group atmosphere.
Modern Climbing Harness: Black Diamond Xenos is the premier ice harness out there.
Modern, Adjustable Climbing Helmet: Black Diamond Half Dome demos available.
Warm Mountain Boots: We have Scarpa Mont Blanc, La Sportiva Nepals, and Boreal models to fit all foot types and sizes 4-14.
2 Ice Climbing Tools: BD Viper, Cobra, Reactor, and Fusion tools available for use from SJMG.
Semi-Rigid Vertical Point Crampons: BD Cyborg models available for use from SJMG.
Medium Sized Climbing Backpack: We have a bunch available, but recommend the Mammut Trion Guide 45 and BD Epic 45.
Clothing
We will send you a complete list to help you pack. But you will want to bring a variety of warm layers, shell gear, hats, and gloves. Cameras, sunscreen, water, hot drinks, snacks/lunch, sunglasses are good to have as well!
Course Accommodations:
We primarily recommend the Box Canyon Lodge for all our guests. They run a very clean and professional operation, and have their own set of natural hot springs tubs. www.boxcanyonouray.com
There are loads of other options at all price points. www.ouraycolorado.com/lodging has good info. The Antlers Motel, Ouray Chalet Inn, Comfort Inn, and Simba Suites are all run by personal friends of SJMG and very climber friendly.
Wherever you stay, buy your Ice Park Memebership and get 20% off your stay, and 10% of most restaurants!
