Intermediate Ice Climbing
Take your ice climbing to the next level, refining your skills and taking on more challenging ice formations. Perfect for climbers with some experience who are ready to advance.
Refine your technique on challenging ice routes.
Develop increased efficiency in tool placement and movement
Enhance safety practices in variable ice conditions
Experience a wider range of climbs in iconic Colorado locations
Who is the intermediate ice climbing course designed for?
This course is ideal for climbers who have some experience with ice climbing or have completed a beginner course and are ready to take their skills to the next level. It’s perfect for those looking to advance their technique, learn new gear applications, and challenge themselves on intermediate ice routes.
What new skills will I learn in an intermediate ice climbing course?
In our intermediate course, you’ll refine your climbing posture, learn advanced crampon techniques, practice building anchors, and gain an understanding of proper gear use. You’ll also cover efficient climbing strategies, belaying methods, and an overview of ice protection to help you climb confidently on more challenging terrain.
What types of routes will we climb during the intermediate session?
Vail’s East Ice Falls feature a variety of exciting intermediate routes, including ice curtains, pillars, and sections for dry tooling. You’ll have the opportunity to climb intermediate technical ice that will challenge your skills and provide a rewarding experience. Our guides will choose routes that align with your abilities and help you push your limits while enjoying every moment on the ice.
Can intermediate ice climbing help me prepare for mixed climbing or advanced mountaineering?
Certainly! Intermediate ice climbing is a great stepping stone for those interested in exploring mixed climbing or taking on more advanced mountaineering objectives. The skills you’ll develop, such as anchor building and efficient climbing posture, will serve as a strong foundation for tackling more technical climbs in the future.
Description
All ages 12 and up
Vail Ice provides some of the best climbing in Colorado. The East Vail ice falls, well-known for their accessibility and history in ice and mixed climbing, appeal to beginner, intermediate and advanced climbers the world over.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself on intermediate terrain, this course is a great way to advance your skills in climbing, belaying, gear knowledge, establishing anchors, and perhaps even leading.
We’ll teach you how to use more efficient climbing posture and technique, creating ease in both your style and your experience of the route. Climbing options include ice curtains, pillars, dry tool routes and mixed routes of varying difficulty.
Fair warning: after this one, you’ll never want to put your ice tools down!
Potential Topics
- A brief review of the basics
- Climbing technique and body posture, including rest techniques for more efficient climbing
- Intermediate gear use – specialized tools, belaying methods, anchors, etc.
- Existing and new top anchors
- Techniques for reducing risk
- Rappelling methods
- Ice protection overview
- Multi-pitching overview
- Potential mock lead climbing
Private courses are offered daily. A private guide and all the technical ice climbing gear you will need (ice tools, crampons, ice climbing boots, belay equipment, ropes, helmets and harnesses) are included.
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Intermediate Ice Climbing journey. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at (970) 949-9111 or visit our contact page.
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call—our team can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility. Let’s get you out in the snow!
Quick Information
Course overview:
Enjoy all Colorado has to offer this winter with an Intermediate Ice Climbing Course.
All ages 12 and up
Dates:
Available daily
Duration:
6 – 7 hours
Location:
Vail, CO (East Vail)
Leadville, CO (Chalk Creek)
Lake City, CO
Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
What you should bring
WHAT TO BRING
- Beacon (rental available)
- *No cotton – cotton does not wick moisture or insulate when wet.
- Synthetic or wool long underwear bottom (thin)
- Synthetic or wool long sleeve top (medium)
- Mid layer top and bottom
- Synthetic or wool socks
- Winter jacket
- Insulated “Puffy” Jacket
- Snow pants
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Small day pack
- Water bottle (able to hold 32 oz)
- Food
ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Thermos of hot liquid
- Gaiters
- Extra gloves
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Camera
APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL PROVIDES
- Boots
- Crampons
- Ice Axes
- Helmet
- Harness (42”/44” max)
Meet our guides
Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.
What are you waiting for?
