Ice Climbing in Telluride, Colo.

Colorado has attracted snow lovers for decades and now adventure enthusiasts have another reason to visit Telluride: ice climbing. The half- or full-day adventures (with the latter being mostly for one-on-one lessons) can be booked through the Hotel Telluride at the nearby Ouray Ice Park or rent your own equipment from San Juan Outdoor Adventures, who will outfit you with all the gear you need to successfully scale mountain faces including ice axes, crampons, helmets and harnesses.

Groups never exceed more than four students per teacher as safety and learning ice-climbing techniques are top priority. Lunch and transportation are also included. Ouray Ice Park has more than a dozen climbing routes including the moderate New Funtier; the small but challenging Stump Wall; and the mixed climb Salsa Lisa, which allows you to work more with your picks and really earn your post-exertion hot cocoa.

The Park will also host the annual Ouray Ice Festival fundraiser Jan. 14–17, where you can join in on climbing clinics, use the latest gear and watch others go axe-to-axe in climbing competitions.