Intro to Ice
Pricing
Starting at $279
Season
5/5
Winter-Early Spring
Skill Level
5/5
Beginner
Group Size
5/5
1 Guide per 6 Clients
Intro to Ice
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to climb a frozen waterfall? This course covers all of the basics from how to stay warm to how to best use tools and crampons to climb efficiently on frozen waterfalls and glaciers. Following this course, students should have a clear understanding of basic ice climbing concepts and safety
Booking Info
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the balance due 30 days prior to your trip. If you book a trip within 30 days of the start date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Once you have selected your trip dates, click “Check Availability”. You will receive an email confirming your trip dates and a link to purchase after completing the “check availability” form.
YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED UNTIL WE HAVE CONFIRMED TRIP DATES.
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
- Ex: La Sportiva Nepal Cube
- Can be rented at Bent Gate Mountaineering in Golden
- Ex: La Sportiva Nepal Cube
- 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
Gallery
Reviews
John McGee
2024-05-27
Trustindex 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.
Hung Lieu
2024-01-31
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another awesome ice climbing trip in the books. Thanks, Dan and SAI Guides!
Michael Schmitz
2023-12-18
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
Jenni Hanley
2023-08-02
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
Connor Myers
2023-07-22
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
Jason Bryce
2023-05-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eric Whewell is professional and helpful, guided and taught my group well!
Ben
2023-05-13
Trustindex 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!
Christopher Hunnewell
2023-03-14
Trustindex 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!
Sig Newt
2023-02-20
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent group of very professional guides. Would highly reccommend.
Elliott Wright
2023-01-17
Trustindex 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.
