Ice Climbing at Camp Alexander

Climb our ice wall in the Colorado mountains on winter weekends, with all the technical gear provided. For Scouts and Venturers 13 and older and their adult leaders. 2027 registration is open.

Register for 2027
See dates and times

2027 dates and price

$90 per climber, youth or adult, and every climber gets an ice climbing patch. Paying by card adds a processing fee.

  • January: Saturdays 9, 16, 23 and 30, and Sunday 17
  • February: Saturdays 6, 13, 20 and 27, and Sunday 14
  • March: Saturdays 6, 13, 20 and 27

Each Saturday has three sessions, with room for 18 climbers in each:

  • Morning: 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
  • Afternoon: 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
  • Night: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., on the lit wall

Sundays have the morning and afternoon sessions only. Sign-ups for each date close a week before it, or sooner if its sessions fill. To see open spots, open a date in registration, choose the Program tab, then More Information.

Learn to climb ice

Climbers learn the basics on a top rope: how to use ice axes and crampons, how to move on ice, and the etiquette every climber follows. It’s a solid start for anyone who wants to keep climbing.

Who can climb

Scouts and Venturers who are 13 or older on the day of the climb, and their adult leaders.

Gear we provide

Helmet, harness, ice axes, boots, crampons, and ropes. You bring warm clothes.

Where to meet

At the ice wall near the staff bunkhouses, 10 minutes before your session starts. Directions to camp

If the weather turns

If it gets too warm and the ice isn’t safe, we cancel. March is the hardest to predict, so we may add or drop March sessions as the season goes.

See what it’s like

What to wear and bring

Conditions on the ice change fast. Wear layers you can add or take off as you warm up and cool down.

Layers

  • Base layer: long underwear that wicks moisture
  • Mid layer: fleece or a light jacket
  • A warm puffy or ski jacket
  • Winter or ski pants, waterproof if you have them. Crampons are sharp and can cut pants, so watch your feet.
  • Wool, synthetic, or ski socks that reach the calf

Head, hands, and eyes

  • A warm beanie thin enough to fit under a climbing helmet
  • A balaclava or neck gaiter
  • Snug, waterproof gloves, not mittens, so you can grip the ice axe. Bring a second pair.
  • Sunglasses or ski goggles

How to sign up

Sign-ups are in the council registration system, where each date is listed on its own with its sessions.

  1. Reserve spots for your group in the registration system.
  2. From your group’s dashboard, choose Members on the left.
  3. Edit each person and fill in their name, email, and date of birth. That turns on an Activities tab for them.
  4. On Activities, choose Add/remove Activities and pick the session.

The Activities tab won’t appear for anyone who will be under 13 on the day of the climb. You’ll also need an emergency contact for each climber, and every climber needs a signed ice climbing waiver (PDF).

Go to 2027 registration

Cancellations and refunds

If we cancel your session because the ice isn’t safe, we refund your fees.

We can’t give refunds for any other reason. Groups are small, demand is high, and the season is short, so please make sure everyone can come before you reserve.

Questions? Call us at 719-219-2916.