Refine Your Climbing Skills at This Indoor Ice Climbing Training Facility in Colorado

Don't let the lack of ice outside stop you from getting in a preseason training session. Visit this indoor ice climbing training facility in Colorado to kick-start your climbing season.
Ice climbing
Ice climbing / Unsplash

Colorado is home to a remarkable ice climbing training facility, The Ice Coop. After being established in 2019, this non-profit gym continues to see climbers from all over. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn or a seasoned climber wanting to refine your skills, you will find yourself at home at The Ice Coop.

According to their website, their mission is to "grow the sport of ice and alpine climbing while remaining accessible to people of all backgrounds." This was the first gym in North America designed specifically for ice climbers.

When people think of climbing gyms, they typically envision a large gym with tall walls covered in colorful climbing holds. However, The Ice Coop has a unique look to it. The walls are made of soft plywood, making it an excellent material for ice tools and competition boots to stick to. The rock holds used are made of a variety of materials, including metal, rock, and resin.

The gym itself is a 2,000-square-foot area filled with endless year-round training opportunities. For individuals looking for instruction, The Ice Coop provides beginner clinics and classes for introduction to ice climbing, preparing for competition, and avalanche education for ice climbers.

Becoming an ice climber is not an easy journey. Finding partners can be tricky, gear is costly, and it's a highly technical sport with several dangers that regularly present themselves. By starting at this training facility, you will be placing yourself in a location filled with knowledgeable climbers eager to share what they know.

As their website states, "We're proud to have an amazing collection of competition holds and some world-class route setters, we strive to create a laid-back, welcoming environment. We don't take ourselves too seriously. Usually, the Ice Coop feels less like a hardcore training facility and more like a clubhouse or a home away from home."

Next time you're visiting the Boulder, Colorado area, stop by this facility for a climbing session. You will leave feeling encouraged and even more excited for ice climbing season.


Published
Maria Aldrich
MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.