Vail, Colorado ice climbing 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!

To build on skills learned in the beginner ice climbing course, our intermediate ice climbing course may include:

• 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

As with all of our itineraries, we are happy to customize our private ice climbing outings to suit your goals.

Our ice climbing clients have ranged from 8 to 76 years old, and are of all ability and experience levels. Our professional mountain guides have guided clients in the mountains of Colorado and around the world, including the seven continental highest summits.

Private courses are offered daily, as well as pre-scheduled open enrollment courses (see above). 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.

Choose #1 recommended Apex for taking your ice climbing to the next level. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Advanced reservations are recommended, not required. Some personal items provided by participant(s); see the gear list tab.

To register, click the Book It tab above.  You may also call (970) 949-9111 or use our contact page.

*Please note that groups of 6 or larger will be charged an automatic 18% gratuity to the credit card on file upon completion of your trip*