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FIND YOUR ADVENTURE

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!



Colorado (December - February)

An RMI climber, high above the valley floor in Colorado.

Intro to Ice Climbing
$395 2 days Difficulty:

Learn how to swing those ice tools! The ideal program first time ice climbers held in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, home to some of the best ice climbing in America.

An RMI climber scaling an ice wall in Colorado

Intermediate Ice Seminar
$495 2 days Difficulty:

Build your basic ice climbing skills, learning how to navigate steep ice and the techniques of multipitch ice routes. The perfect program for climbers training for longer advanced alpine routes like Liberty Ridge or McKinley's West Rib.

Private Guided Programs

Private Guided Programs
Variable Cost 1-5 days Difficulty: Level 1 difficulty

Tailor an ice climbing program to your desires, perfect for detailed private instruction or climbing with friends and family.

"Superior guides all the way around. Without them I wouldn't have made the top."
— Kathleen S.
"We managed to cover the intended agenda despite weather constraints. Guides were in non-stop training mode, using every opportunity to raise attendee's knowledge. Exercises were very well organized and executed. Fav sessions: avalanche rescue, crevasse rescue, ice climbing. Guides were very patient. Impressed with depth of knowledge and experience level of each guide. "
— Frank M.
"Can't say enough about the professionalism that Andy and Gary displayed. Both very competent and effective instructors who really wanted to share their wealth of knowlege. They made learning fun and made us all want to return for future classes and summit climbs."
— Scott A.

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.

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