They generally provide a treated 60-70 meter rope for winter climbing, a harness rigged with ice screws, a belay/rappel device and plenty of cord and carabiners, crampons for vertical ice climbing, climbing helmet and two ice climbing axes. “We keep our fleet of equipment as up-to-day as possible with the changing technology each year.” “Ice climbing equipment has seen huge improvements over the decades,” Mountain Trip says. They pride themselves on having the latest and greatest equipment to help everyone complete a climb safely. When you book an ice climbing excursion with Mountain Trip, they provide all of the equipment needed to successfully complete a climb. One thing is for sure – you need a lot of equipment for ice climbing. No matter where you choose to go, your experience will be one you won’t forget for a long time. “The nearby Ouray Ice Park is known worldwide by alpinists for its hundreds of technical routes, kept in near-perfect condition throughout the winter by ice “farmers”, who supplement the natural flows with runoff piped in from nearby Ouray," Mountain Trip says. If you’d like to check out a classic, the Ouray Ice Park is a world-class destination for ice climbers from all over the world. For the more experienced ice climber, Ingram Falls, Ames Ice Hose, and Bridal Veil Falls all offer “huge exposure, overhanging sections and multiple pitches,” Mountain Trip adds. “There are two flows of ice to which we typically take first-time climbers, one of which is low angle enough that virtually anyone will have success their first try and will have a good opportunity to practice technique.”Īnyone looking for a step up can take on Bear Creek Falls, which has vertical climb routes accessible via a rappel into a gorge. “Perhaps the most accessible beginner’s climbing is at lower Ames,” Mountain Trip says.
The best part about the waterfalls in Telluride is that you don’t have to go very far to access all different types of terrain ranging from beginner to expert. Telluride’s waterfalls are a stunning attraction in the summer, but they’re equally as amazing in the winter. “We’ve taken out children as young as four, adults as old as 75, participants in Telluride Adaptive Sports and the Wounded Warriors Project and everyone in-between,” says Mountain Trip, the only AMGA-accredited guide service in Southwest Colorado.įrom beginner to expert and solo trips to guided tours, Telluride and its surrounding communities have everything you need and more to embark on an unforgettable ice climbing adventure. Ice climbing may seem intimidating to anyone who hasn’t tried it (hanging off a sheet of ice from an ice pick might make mom put 911 on speed dial), but it’s more than accessible and safe for all ages and skill levels. Much of our terrain in this area is perfect for forming and holding ice throughout the winter.” “Combine reliable cold temperatures with runoff, shade and steep gorges, and you’re bound to have good ice. “The San Juans are generally on every ice climber’s bucket list for the sheer number of inspiring routes, access and quality of ice, as well as a wide variety of climbs from beginner flows to multi-pitch epics,” says Mountain Trip, Telluride’s local premier provider for mountain climbing expeditions and adventures. While neighboring town Ouray generally gets most of the love for ice climbing, Telluride has plenty to offer for beginner, intermediate and experienced climbers. Telluride may be known for its unbelievable skiing terrain and charming mountain town, but it also offers another fun activity often overlooked in the winter: ice climbing.