Crested Butte is full of things to do in the winter; climbing ice is just one of them. While there is ice in many of the valleys surrounding Crested Butte, most of it tends to be inaccessible and avalanche-prone, so Crested Butte ice climbers often travel down valley to climb their ice. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison has several high quality climbs just west of Gunnison, including Chipeta and the Curecanti Monster. Lake City, meanwhile, hosts a large number of natural climbs as well as an ice climbing park which is just on the outskirts of town. Climbing the Lake City ice park is a joy- typically uncrowded and within walking distance to a hot cup of coffee. Contact Crested Butte Mountain Guides if you need ice climbing information or instruction.
