Ice is a special medium to climb. Day to day and week to week the ice changes. We can climb the same route every year and it will be different each time. The long cold winters in Rocky Mountain National Park make for great ice conditions, close to the front range of Colorado. Whether you’re climbing ice for the first time or looking for longer routes, we can help you achieve your goals.
Privately Guided Ice Climbing
Intro to Ice Climbing
A privately guided day of introductory ice climbing. No experience required. If you’re looking to experience ice climbing for a day, or learn the skills to get started as an ice climber, this is the day for you.
Ice Climbing Progression
Privately guided ice climbing for those with previous experience. Spend the day cragging at local areas and learning new skills to progress your ice climbing.
Custom Alpine Ice Climbing
For ice climbers with previous experience. Spend a day on a longer multi-pitch or alpine style ice climb. Work with a guide to pick the right objective for you, or let us know what climb you have in mind!
Classic Climbs
Explore our curated list of the best alpine ice climbs and winter mountaineering routes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Alpine Prep Day
Need a tune-up before going out to climb one of these classic ice routes? Book an alpine prep day to go out with your guide beforehand and brush up on skills. This is a great way to help set yourself up for success on your climb.
Thatchtop NE Gully
Situated above The Loch, this climb is a classic entry point into more challenging ice routes in the Park. 700ft, of steep snow and pitched ice climbing.
Difficulty: WI3+, Steep Snow
Season: Nov – Early March. Best earlier in the year before heavy snow fills it in.
All Mixed Up
A classic long ice climb that sits high above Mill’s Lake. Four long pitches of generally good ice, but sometimes is thin and challenging.
Difficulty: WI4
Season: Nov – Feb. Best early season, before heavy snowfall causes avalanche hazards on route.
Dreamweaver
The super-classic alpine route up Mt. Meeker. Climb 1,500ft of steep snow, easy mixed climbing, and fun ice up a narrow gully to the summit. Should be on every climbers list.
Difficulty: WI3, M2, Steep Snow
Season: May – Early June. Best conditions are in the spring after a good freeze-thaw cycle.
The Flying Dutchman
Epicly positioned in the Long’s Peak Cirque, this climb is a great entry point into winter ice and mountaineering with a short crux and mostly moderate snow climbing. Climb 1,00ft. to the saddle between Meeker and Longs Peak.
Difficulty: WI2, M1-2, Steep Snow
Season: March – June. Best in the spring, but can be climbed in early winter if snow conditions are good.
Flattop South Face
Another excellent entry point into winter mountaineering routes. Situated above Emerald Lake, these routes have a short approach and are characterized by steep snow climbing, interspersed with short crux ice and mixed steps. Several lines are possible here.
Difficulty: WI2, M2, Steep Snow
Season: December – April. As long as avalanche hazard is low, these climbs are in good shape for most of the winter.
Martha’s
A classic springtime couloir climb, Martha’s is situated on the south face of Mt. Lady Washington, high in the Long’s Peak Cirque. The climb is characterized by tricky ice and mixed steps with great views. A step up in difficulty from Dreamweaver.
Difficulty: WI3, M3, Steep Snow
Season: Late March- Early May. Best climbed with good snow and ice coverage to protect against loose rocks.
West Gully
A classic fat ice climb positioned above Black Lake. This route is 5 miles from the trailhead and feels more remote than other ice climbs. The route is characterized by super thick ice for 2 to 4 pitches.
Difficulty: WI4
Season: December – Early March. Best mid-winter. Snow/Avalanche conditions may change route length and descent options.
Longs Peak With Snow?
Take your ice and alpine skills to Rocky Mountain National Parks tallest peak. Beat the crowds and enjoy a unique experience with the professionals at KMAC Guides.