One of the best decisions I ever made in my life was to participate in the various clinics offered by Chicks Climbing and Skiing. Due to the technical expertise and knowledge of their highly professional guides, I quickly developed a great foundation of skills that I could build on while becoming a confident and safe climber. In addition, the exposure to like-minded people in the clinics resulted in my acquiring not just lifelong climbing partners but also lifelong friends.
What could be better than hearing the sound of an ice axe going THUNK deep into the ice? Well … the sound of a solid stick when YOU are swinging the tool, of course! Well-balanced, calmly on your front-points, high up on an icy cliff. Over the years, I have been fortunate to go adventuring with Chicks through the pleasures of the Ouray Ice Park, to the magic of arctic Iceland, to wild, wonderful Wyoming. The journey has been one filled with laughter and learning – the learning not only about climbing but also encompassing the many life lessons of the mountains.
Thank you Heidi and Sheldon! I had such a blast, and I even managed to climb WI5 for the first time! It was my first time ice climbing with female guides, which was such a great experience! Truly appreciate all of you boss ladies for the work you do and for making it so fun.
CWP is truly a unique, supportive and adventurous venue for meeting awe-inspiring instructors and like minded women who want to explore their boundaries in a safe and fun-loving environment. As a graduate of multiple ice climbing clinics, I credit them with giving me confidence and skills to lead, and I treasure the friendships I have made along the journey, proud of my Chicks With Picks heritage.
A place where community and friendship are as abundant as 5 star instruction and life-changing mountain adventures; my go-to for all things alpine. Decades of outdoor education and mountaineering trips led by the the world’s best mountain guides!
“What I enjoyed most about the clinic was the entire group was very welcoming, learning technical skills and climbing with guides that were very supportive and had a great attitude.”
I am in awe of your technical expertise and knowledge and your ability to impart those skills during your clinics. I have continually been challenged by each and every one of you and have pushed myself to limits I never knew I was capable of. I have learned so much from you all, not just about climbing, but about myself, and all the while having fun doing it.
“Super fun day – I was extremely proud of the fact that I managed to practice falls and actually breathe OUT (instead of the usual panicked gasp in). So much personal progress on that front. And Brittany helped me get over my fear of riding high on the belay – I truly enjoyed giving her a soft catch”