Introduction to Ice Climbing - 2026

Climbing & Youth Program

Ice Climbing

Get ready for the ultimate winter adventure! Join CMC Youth Programs for Ice Climbing!

Get ready for the ultimate winter adventure! Join CMC Youth Programs for Ice Climbing! Learn the basics and beauty of ice climbing this winter in our "Introduction to Ice Climbing" course. Day 1 will take place in the classroom where you'll learn about the gear, techniques, and skills needed to climb frozen faces! Day 2 we will head out to put your new knowledge to the test with 4 hours of ice climbing at Camp Alexander in Lake George, CO!

Course Itinerary:

Day 1 (2/7/26): CMC Base Camp - Classroom Session, Boot Rentals/Sizing (By Golden Mountain Guides)

Day 2: (2/8/26/25): Camp Alexander - Ice Climbing!


Registration Details:
  • Age: For youth ages 12-18

  • Dates: November 24th-26th, 2025

  • Location: Each day, we will meet and start our day at the Colorado Mountain Club (15605 West 32nd Ave, Golden, CO, 80204). This is a 3 Session day camp. Day 1 will take place on our indoor wall, Day 2 and 3 transportation is provided from CMC to local Climbing Areas.
  • Prerequisites: Participants must have taken a Beginner or Intermediate/Advanced Rock Climbing Course at CMC. If you have not taken a Beginner or Intermediate/Advanced Rock Climbing Course, please reach out to yep@cmc.org to see if this course is appropriate for your student.
  • Mountaineering Boots: We have partnered with Golden Mountain Guides who will have a boot rental table set up at our classroom day (January 4th). Boots can be rented and paid for on the spot January 4th. The smallest size that Golden Mountain Guides rents are 36 EU (5.5 US). Note: Additionally Mountaineering Boots can be rented from multiple locations like REI, Bentgate (Golden), Neptune Mountaineering (Boulder). The smallest size that these locations rent are 37 EU (6 US).
  • Cost: CMC Family Members - $295/2-Days, Non-Members -$315/2-Days. CMC Members with a Family Membership receive $20 off. Learn about all the benefits of becoming a CMC member.

  • Financial Assistance: AT CMC, WE BELIEVE THE OUTDOORS ARE FOR ALL. If you need financial assistance for our camps, click here to apply! If you would like to set up a payment plan to finance your next adventure, email us at youth@cmc.org.

  • Please note, if you have an individual membership and wish to sign up your child, you will need to create a separate guest account with a different email. You can also choose to upgrade your individual membership to a family membership to be able to register your child on your account and receive the discount.

  • Course fees include instruction, shared group gear (ex: ropes), harnesses, helmets, shoes, transportation from the Rooney Ranch Elementary to/from the trailheads, snacks, and backcountry permits.

    • Refund/cancellation policy: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more details and information about the camp. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
    Program Requirements

    This program has no scheduled activities.

    Roster
    Required Equipment

    You Bring:

    • Synthetic or wool long underwear bottom and top (no cotton - cotton does not wick moisture or insulate when wet)
    • Mid layer top and bottom
    • Synthetic or wool socks (no cotton)
    • Winter jacket
    • Insulated “Puffy” Jacket
    • Snow/Shell pants (shell pants preferable)
    • Warm gloves or mittens
    • Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
    • Goggles or sunglasses
    • Small day pack
    • Water bottle
    • Lip balm
    • Sunscreen
    • Mountaineering Boots (Lowa and La Sportiva Mountaineering Boots can be rented from REI Denver, Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, and Bentgate in Golden, cost of rental varies and ranges around $25-$40)

    Optional:

    • Hand warmers 
    • Thermos of hot liquid
    • Gaiters 
    • Water bottle insulator
    • Camera

    CMC Will Provide:

    • Crampons
    • Ice Axes
    • Helmet
    • Harness
    • Face mask
    • Snacks
    • Lunch
    Program Materials

    You must register for this program to see program materials.