The San Juan Range of southwestern Colorado contains some of the best ice climbing terrain in North America, from long all day ice climbs deep in the mountains to a dedicated "Ice Park" with hundreds of climbs for beginner and expert climbers alike.

RMI's guides enjoy teaching people how to climb, not just how to follow a guide all day. Our low client-to-guide ratios on these courses make certain that you receive the most personalized instruction possible. Climbing movement and technique, gear use, safety and decision making are all taught and tailored to an individual's pace.

Whether you are new to ice climbing, need an ice climbing refresher after a year or two, or you would like to get onto some longer routes in the Colorado backcountry with a personal guide, we have a program for you.

These are great programs for gaining technical skills and confidence on icy terrain. We consider them essential training if you are considering a climb on the West Rib of Mt. McKinley, an ascent of Mt. Rainier's Liberty Ridge, or if you just want to have a fun couple of days swinging your ice tools this winter!

Our ice courses are taught in the Durango, Silverton, and Ouray areas in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. This is a program organized by Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. and led exclusively by Southwest Adventure Guides, (SWAG). SWAG is based in Durango, CO and is an authorized permit holder in the San Juan National Forest, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests under priority use permit from the Forest Service, USDA.