178 miles outside of Denver, Ouray (Your-ay) Colorado is well worth the six hour drive. Ouray is known as the Switzerland of America, and I cannot think of a better description! The entire town rests in a bowl of immense mountains, perfectly frosted with snow in the winter. There are few sights in Colorado more beautiful than Ouray; and that is really saying something!

Ouray also happens to be home to world renowned ice climbing. Our own back yard is host to international ice climbing competitions. Along with some great hot springs to thaw out in!

Ice climbing is not nearly as terrifying as it sounds. Admittedly, it does sound crazy to inch your way up something most of us wipe out on at least once every winter. However, as you learn what you’re doing, every swing of the ice axe and drive of the toe pick turns into a comfortable rhythm. Before you know it, you’re breathless from fast, coursing adrenaline looking down the frozen wall you’ve conquered. It’s truly riveting.

The safety precautions and pre-climb training are thorough. Climbers are harnessed in with serious safety equipment and tools that are sport specific. Going with one of the many climbing guides in Ouray will ensure you are with highly experienced climbers. They are capable of reading fractures in the ice and the personal skill level of their students. There is of course risk involved as with any epic adventuring, but mitigating that risk is easy.

My personal recommendation is the guide company San Juan Mountain Guides, based in Ouray. They are comprised of staff who live for climbing; they are seriously knowledgeable. I also prefer SJMG because they provide various separate safety courses and I consider that a great sign of reliability. The gear they rent out is also top of the line and well maintained.

The guide I climbed with had been scaling the ice for decades and was eager to share his wisdom. Another sign of a great guide is one who is willing to methodically teach you anything you want to know. As a fellow rock climber, he was even able to teach me things about our preferred summer sport!

Paying a guide is a big financial investment. Two days of ice climbing with SJMG runs about $439 per person and includes all gear. An additional tip of $20-30 per person, per day is my suggestion. Guides work harder for their money than we realize and very little of that $439 goes to them.

Though this is a costly adventure, it is an unforgettable one! SJMG can be reached through their website https://mtnguide.net/ouray-ice-climbing/ouray-ice-courses/intro-ice-climbing/ or via phone at (800) 642-5389!

Go forth and adventure friends!