“I’m clinging to the surface of a frozen waterfall outside of Telluride, Colo., trusting my life to a pair of ice axes, boots with menacing spikes at the toe and a safety harness.” –Read Pam LeBlanc’s recollection of her first ice climbing trip, offered as a package through the Hotel Telluride.

“As I began my first ascent, kicking my front crampon “claw” into the ice one foot at a time, I reminded myself to keep my feet level with each other for stability. With my right hand, I heaved a pick forward in my first attempt to secure a hold.”—in this article, Heather Mundt describes her ice climbing adventure through The Hotel Telluride