Introduction to Ice Climbing

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Introduction to Ice Climbing

Curious about ice climbing but not sure where to start? Our Intro to Ice Climbing course is designed for beginners who want a safe, supportive, and exciting introduction to climbing frozen waterfalls.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of ice climbing, including proper use of ice tools and crampons, basic movement techniques, and essential safety systems. No prior ice climbing experience is required—just a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to try something new.

Under the guidance of a certified, experienced instructor, you’ll progress from ground instruction to climbing real ice, building confidence every step of the way. We focus on strong foundations, risk management, and clear communication so you leave with skills you can build on for future ice climbing adventures.

Whether you’re looking to expand your climbing skillset, prepare for alpine objectives, or simply experience the thrill of climbing ice for the first time, this course is the perfect place to start.

Location
Boulder, Colorado
Duration
8 hours
Minimum Eligible Critera
Previous outdoor climbing experience, Ability to climb 5.8 on top rope outside, previous experience leading bolt protected (sport) climbs and cleaning anchors, experience rappelling, familiarity with knots and hitches relevant to single pitch climbing: figure eight, overhand on a bight, clove hitch, prussik.
Skilled Covered
  • Proper techniques for belaying and lowering on ice
  • Development of an efficient swing with leashless tools
  • Solid use of feet and controlled body movement
  • Winter warmth techniques including clothing and food
  • Presentation of ice climbing equipment and technical systems
  • Practice ice screw removal and basic anchoring techniques
Minimum Age
Under 18 will need written consent from parent/guardian
Included
  • AMGA Trained/Certified Guide
  • Group Climbing Equipment
  • Technical Hardware
  • Technical Soft goods
  • Personal Climbing Equipment
  • Helmet
  • Harness
Not Included
  • Food
  • Transport
  • Lodging
  • Trip/Cancelation Insurance
  • Non-technical Personal Items
  • Rescue Insurance
  • Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
  • Guide Gratuity
  • Unforseen Cost Incurred Outside of the Control of SAI
Equipment List

Clothing

  • Mid-weight synthetic bottom
  • Synthetic underwear
  • Softshell pants – a tighter, more athletic fit is ideal (do not wear baggy ski pants)
  • (optional) Down or synthetic insulated pants – full side zip – should fit over all your layers

Bottom

  • Lightweight longsleeve top
  • Midweight longsleeve top – with hood recommended
  • Sports Bra
  • Softshell Jacket with hood
  • Non-insulated Waterproof shell jacket with hood – should fit over your softshell jacket and under your harness waistbelt
  • Down or synthetic insulated puffy jacket – should fit over the outside of all your layers

Head

  • Wool or synthetic beanie – needs to fit under your helmet  (no pom pom on top)
  • Neck gaiter or balaclava – Buffs are great!
  • Face Mask (PPE) – n95 or similar
  • Sunglasses – full sun protection with 100% UV protection 

Hands

  • 1 pair of heavyweight insulated gloves for belaying
  • 2 pairs of mid-weight water resistant softshell type gloves – with a leather palm

Feet

  • Wool or synthetic mid-weight socks – ski socks are great!
  • (do not wear heavy weight, bulky wool socks – your feet will get colder)
  • Boots: leather or synthetic waterproof, insulated fully rigid mountaineering boot
  • Optional: Gaiters

Technical Equipment 

  • Ice tools – designed for vertical water ice climbing
  • Crampons – designed for vertical water ice climbing – dual point preferable
  • Harness – UIAA/CE rated climbing harness with belay loop and gear loops.  Should be able to fit on the outside of your layers.  Adjustable leg loops recommended
  • Helmet – UIAA/CE rated climbing helmet.  Should be able to fit on the outside of your beanie
  • Belay/rappel device – plaquette, tube style device preferred
  • 2 locking carabiners – large, round stock screw gate carabiners that are easily manipulated while wearing gloves

*All technical equipment will be provided by SAI, but if you have our own, it’s encouraged that you bring it.

Food

  • 2L of water
  • 1000-1200 calories of food – energy bars, sandwiches, fruits, etc

Personal

  • Backpack – 25-30L
  • 2 Large mouth water bottles, 1L capacity each. (or 1 water bottle and 1 thermos)
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Smartphone

Optional

  • Toe/Hand Warmers
  • Insulated, vacuum sealed bottle – for hot drinks or soup (1L capacity)
  • Hot Drink – hot cocoa, tea, cider, sports drink, etc
  • Hot Soup – miso or chicken noodle are favorites
Location

2 Options To Choose From

Scheduled Date Course:
2 Classes Per Month
See Dates in Booking

Price Per Person
$249


Book a Private Group
 Price Per Person
1 Person $529
2 people $329
3 people $269
4 people $229
5 people+ $199

Closed For Summer/Reopens In Mid October 2026

Join the First Ascent List For This Course/Trip Next Season

This trip is currently out of season.
Join the list and we’ll contact you first when new dates open.

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Reviews
 
 
 
 
 Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides 
 
 
 Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides
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 John McGee profile picture 
 
 
 John McGee 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Easy to schedule and great communication. Max was my guide and he was excellent! He knew every inch of the crag and selected routes that were perfect.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Hung Lieu profile picture 
 
 
 Hung Lieu 
 
 
 
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Another awesome ice climbing trip in the books. Thanks, Dan and SAI Guides!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Michael Schmitz profile picture 
 
 
 Michael Schmitz 
 
 
 
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Completed the AiARE 1 course with Max Lure in Rocky Mountain National Park. A phenomenal experience.  Would recommend to anyone who is interested  in getting into the back country.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jenni Hanley profile picture 
 
 
 Jenni Hanley 
 
 
 
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I loved my guided climb with Newt! He chose a great spot that was shaded and not too crowded. Loved the routes he chose for us, which got gradually more challenging. He had a really nice mix of providing some beta while also encouraging us to figure it out for ourselves. Would definitely book an excursion with him again!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Connor Myers profile picture 
 
 
 Connor Myers 
 
 
 
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Have not used their service, but one of their guides, Newt, got me out of a jam a few weeks ago. I took off from the Eldo park and ride without my bag, and when he saw the abandoned bag in the parking lot, he read the situation perfectly, took it with him, made a post online, and got the bag back to me day of. Newt's an honest dude with good situational awareness, great qualities for a guide (and person) to have.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jason Bryce profile picture 
 
 
 Jason Bryce 
 
 
 
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Eric Whewell is professional and helpful, guided and taught my group well!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ben profile picture 
 
 
 Ben 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
The SPI course offered by SAI is phenomenal. It exceeded my expectations and taught me numerous invaluable skills I will undoubtedly make repeated use of in the future in both recreational and professional climbing settings. Thank you to Eric Whewell for running such a great program!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Christopher Hunnewell profile picture 
 
 
 Christopher Hunnewell 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Max led my AIARE 2 course and went way above and beyond what I have experienced in previous courses.  Beyond just going through he curriculum Max took personal ownership of the learning of the group and made sure to give us opportunities to implement what we had gone over. Cannot recommend a trip with Max enough!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sig Newt profile picture 
 
 
 Sig Newt 
 
 
 
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Excellent group of very professional guides. Would highly reccommend.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Elliott Wright profile picture 
 
 
 Elliott Wright 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Phenomenal AIARE1 course! Max Lurie’s expertise is second to none and his comedic edge makes a serious, information packed topic fun for everyone. Thanks SAI and Dan Hunter for putting it on.