Smile's Ice Leaders Seminar introduces and pushes climbers to learn the techniques and art behind leading on ice which can open doors to bigger mountain adventures or add a new fun style to the climbing kit.

We focus on all skills needed to lead multi-pitch ice. There is no leading in this two-day course, however, additional days can be added after the seminar with an emphasis on live leads.

This seminar takes place over two eight-hour days in the Ouray Ice Park.

Our skills will develop and be practiced on the wall, with real-time feedback to help each guest refine their skills.

Ice Leaders Seminar Itinerary –

Topics are broken down into teaching sessions and may be taught in a slightly different order.

Pre-Group Google Meet and Before Seminar Start -

Our team will link everyone together via Google Meet at a pre-determined time. Discussions will center around the seminar, answering any guest questions, providing clarity on gear, and explaining what to expect when you arrive in town.

In Town Meet Up -

Guides will meet with guests in town, before the day one program start date to grab boots at Ouray Mountain Sports.

Day 1 – 7:30 am- 5:00 pm

1. Program Overview Session at Cafe

2. Equipment Session for Ice Climbing

   Move To Ice Park

3. Movement Warm-Ups focusing on the leaders’ mindset

4. Fundamental for reading ice and placing screws

5. Lead Practice

6. Anchoring and Threads

Day 2 – 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

1. Crampon and Axe Sharpening practice

   Move to Ice Park

2. Multi-Pitch Belay Station Management topic

3. Practice

4. Multi-Pitch Descending topic, which includes rappelling

5. Practice

Group Dinner In Town

FOOTWEAR

+Mountain Boots

+Socks

UPPER LAYERS

+Synthetic T-shirt

+Sun Hoody

+Fleece

+Light Windshell Jacket

+Active Climbing Insulated Jacket

+Warm Belay Jacket

BOTTOM LAYERS

+Softshell Pant

BACKPACKS

+35-45 L Ice Crag Pack

ACCESSORIES

+Sunglasses, Utu Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Sun Hat

+Nalgene, Minimum 1.5L

+Climbing Snacks: 100 calories an hour!

+ Buff

+Climbing GlovesLight, Insulated

+Belay GlovesLight, Heavy

EQUIPMENT

+Helmet

+Harness

+Ice Axes

+Crampons

+Ice Screws

+ABD Belay Device

+MBD Belay Device

Bringing any personal climbing gear you have from the above list is encouraged, group gear can be provided by Smile Mountain Guides.

Best Places to Stay:

Ouray Main Street Inn

Great pricing, friendly service and you can have a whole house suite.

Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs

Great atmosphere and hot springs located just off the main street close to the Ouray Ice Park.

Cafes and Restaurants:

The Artisan Bakery & Cafe

The best pastry and cafe spot in town!

The Brickhouse 737

High-end western Americana dining with a good wine selection.

Ouray Brewery

Need a good burger or sandwich? Here you go!

Colorado Boy

Artisan Pizza

Grumpy Pants Brewery

Local pub sporting a great small-town atmosphere and no-fuss beer selection.