I live in St. Louis, MO and have been wanting to get into climbing. I want to try and go on a ice climbing trip this winter, but for obvious reasons dont know where to start about setting a trip like this up. I have a friend that lives in CO and I was thinking I could go and visit him and try to do some climbing out there. Im thinking the only way I can do this is to hire a guide, which I dont really want to but I dont think I have any other options. I also have a free place to stay in the upper penisula of Michigan, but I think there are less guide servies up there. Any suggestions will help tremendously. Thanks

Where does your friend live in CO? I'd head to CO. If you've got some time, go down to Ouray (about 6hrs drive from Denver). Amazing ice climbing, even for beginners. San Juan Mountain guides can set you up with all the gear you need and a guide.

You can find really reasonable hotels there.

If you wanted to stay closer to Denver, there is some ice up in Vail, but not a lot for beginners. Lincoln Falls by Breckenridge would be good for beginners. You could hook up with a guide service out of Denver.

You pretty much need a guide, you'll also need to rent a lot of gear.

Since you have a place in the UP of Michigan, check out the Michigan Ice Fest next month. I assume, like most Ice Fests, there will be gear to borrow or rent and beginner clinics.

http://www.michiganicefest.com/

If you act quick, you can make it to the Ice Pit Ice Fest and Demo Weekend in Green Bay this coming weekend:

http://www.theicepit.org/onlinesite%5Cg ... events.asp