r/ClimbingPartners • u/Junior_Bison_7211 • 5h ago
Durango / Ouray / San Juans — Looking for Ice Climbing Partners and Mentorship
Hey everyone!
I'm based in Durango, CO, and I'm looking to get more involved in the ice climbing community this coming winter.
I'm primarily a lone wolf in the mountains with experience in the San Juans, including snow climbs, skiing (primarily Telluride), scrambling, and long alpine days. I got introduced to ice climbing last season through San Juan Mountain Guides, including some backcountry climbing, and absolutely loved it.
I've been slowly building my own equipment and training for the upcoming season. While I'm comfortable in the mountains, I'm still very much a beginner when it comes to technical ice climbing, and I'd really like to learn from people with more experience.
I'm hoping to find climbing partners, make some friends in the community, and ideally connect with someone willing to share their knowledge as I develop my skills. I'm especially interested in eventually progressing toward backcountry ice and alpine objectives.
I'm happy to start with easy top-rope days, help carry gear, split driving expenses (or honestly just be your full time driver to the mountain lol), and learn at a reasonable pace. I'm not looking to rush into leading or anything beyond my abilities.
If anyone around Durango, Ouray, Silverton, or the surrounding area wouldn't mind having a motivated beginner tag along on an appropriate climbing day, I'd love to connect!
Thanks, and looking forward to the season!