Guided Ice Climbing Trips

For More Information on Guided Ice Climbing Click on the Tabs Below

Wasatch Mountains; Big and Little Cottonwood and Provo Canyon

Utah is home to a wide variety of Ice climbing opportunities. The Cottonwood Canyons and Provo Canyon have some of the coolest Ice Climbing routes in the West and RRA can guide you there. Routes range from very easy to as hard as it gets all easily reachable from Salt Lake City. Don’t miss the opportunity to get out and try this sport during a guided ice climbing trip. Level of difficulty and style of climbs are tailored to your ability level!

1/2 Day Guided Ice Climbing Trip

Young girl ice climbing - Guided ice climbing in Utah

  • Difficulty – Easy to Hard | WI2-WI5
  • Days – 1/2
  • Minimum age – 8
  • Venues – Little Cottonwood, Provo & Maple Canyon
  • Meets – 7:30 AM (PM trips available by request)
  • Dates – December to March
  • 1 Person $250 | 2 People $175 each | 3 People $145

Check availability and   Book online now!

When it comes to Ice Climbing the Wasatch has something for everyone. This 1/2 day sampler of single pitch ice climbing is perfect for those that are new to the sport, gym climbers who want to climb outside or for folks who have been away from Ice Climbing for awhile.

Red River Adventures provides guides and all technical equipment necessary to participate including ice tools and crampons. Boots are the responsibility of the participant. RRA guides multiple locations, each has a variety of routes that run the spectrum of difficulty. This gives us the ability to customize the climbing to your groups ability and experience level.

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1 Day Guided Ice Climbing

Ice climbing with ropes - Guided ice climbing Utah

  • Difficulty – Easy to Hard | WI2-WI5
  • Days – 1
  • Minimum age – 8
  • Venues – Little Cottonwood, Provo & Maple Canyon
  • Meets – 7:30 AM
  • Dates – December to March
  • 1 Person $350 | 2 People $275 each | 3 People $225 each

Check availability and   Book online now!

If 1/2 a day just doesn’t seem to be enough we offer a full day of climbing. The Full day of top rope Ice Climbing allows time to do different climbs, work on technique, practice basic climbing and belaying skills.

Red River Adventures provides guides and all including ice tools and crampons. Boots are the responsibility of the participant. RRA guides multiple locations, each has a variety of routes that run the spectrum of difficultly. This gives us the ability to customize the climbing to your groups ability and experience level. Let our guides introduce you to this amazing sport.

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Guided Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing

Multi-Pitch Guided Ice Climbing

  • Difficulty – Easy to Hard | WI2-WI5
  • Days – 1
  • Minimum age – 12
  • Venues – Little Cottonwood, Provo & Maple Canyon
  • Meets – 7:30
  • Dates – December to March
  • 1 Person $350 | 2 People $275

Check availability and   Book online now!

Thought about multi-pitch Ice Climbing but not sure if it is for you? Have a route in mind but not sure if you can pull it off? Do you simply want to get off the ground more than one rope length? RRA can help.

Our experienced, professional guides are familiar with the latest industry standards and techniques. RRA offers guided Multi-pitch ice climbing on routes from 200′ to 600′. You do the climbing and take in the views while leaving the leading and rappel set up to us.

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Ice Climbing Photo Gallery

Reviews

Read Our Review on Guided Ice Climbing at Red River Adventures Utah

Ice Climbing Trip FAQ

If you are looking to go on a great adventure, then you might be thinking about going ice climbing. Some of the most common questions that we get asked include:

Do I Need Rock Climbing Experience?

You do not need to have any rock climbing experience in order to climb ice. We offer guided outings for people who have never climbed, climbed in the gym, on the rock, or with a wealth of experience.

Can Different Ability Levels Ice Climb With One Guide?

It is certainly possible for different ability levels to climb with a single guide. Our guides have a tremendous amount of experience working with people of all ability levels. They will ensure that everyone gets to enjoy their adventure, regardless of their experience level.

How Old Do You Need To Be To Try Ice Climbing?

Our adventures have a variety of age requirements. For half-day or one-day guided ice climbing adventures, the difficulty will vary; however, the minimum age is 8. If you would like to participate in a multi-pitch guided ice climbing adventure, the minimum age is 12.

What Is a Typical Day Ice Climbing?

We will usually meet at 8 AM. Before ice climbing starts, we cover what you need to know to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Then, there is usually a combination of instruction, climbing, and breaks that keep the class active and engaged. The goal is to have you improve your climbing and have some fun.

What Are Ice Tools?

Ice climbing tools are what we use to move up the ice. Modern ice tools are designed to be easy to use, protect your knuckles and make ice climbing doable for almost anyone. Red River will provide these if needed.

What Clothing Should I Wear for My Trip?

You need to make sure that your clothes for ice climbing are functional and comfortable. It is best to dress in layers. Choose a base layer of polyester or, we prefer, wool. A mid-layer is recommended for trapping warm air, especially for those who get cold easily. A good mid-layer would include a down-fill vest or fleece jacket. Your outer layer should be a waterproof jacket with a helmet-compatible hood to prevent water or snow from dripping down your neck. Pants that are waterproof and that are easy to move around in are also recommended. For keeping your head warm, wear a thin beanie, or a buff. These can be worn under your helmet. Gloves are important as you need to be able to have good dexterity and grip for ice climbing. Choose a glove that is waterproof, and bring an extra pair if you have them. Climbing boots will do a good job at keeping your feet warm, as they are insulted. Thin wool or synthetic sock are a good choice.

What Kind of Crampons Do I Need?

We recommend using rigid, 12-point crampons with a toe bail. They tend to work better when it comes to front pointing that is required for vertical ice climbing. Red River will supply these if you do not have them.

What Happens if there is Inclement Weather the Day of My Trip?

We will assess the weather conditions before every trip. If the weather conditions are not ideal for us to climb, we will provide you with a refund. If the weather conditions change in the middle of the trip and we have to cancel at the halfway point, we will provide you with a 50 percent refund. If we have to end the trip early but after the halfway point, the full trip amount will be charged. We may have to alter the itinerary, venue, or schedule for safety purposes.

What Happens if I Have To Cancel My Trip?

If you have to cancel your trip more than 48 hours prior to the day of departure, you will receive a full refund. On the other hand, if you have to cancel your trip within 48 hours, you will not receive any refund at all, full or partial. We make sure that our policies are clear when you book your trip.

Online Reviews - 5 Stars

Why Choose RRA? - 20 years of doing it right! Since 2003, when rafting operations began, we have gone on to expand our operations into rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, guided ski touring, travel trips and outdoor education. We have hosted over 85,000 guests and spent over 110,000 days in the field! We are so proud that this has garnered 5-star rankings across all online review sites. Land or water our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach and most importantly, how incredibly fun each is. We believe our past guest's comments make the decision easy!
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Your Safety is our number #1 concern

Since we started this journey in 2003 we have safely hosted 85,000+ kids and adults and spent over 100,000 days rafting, climbing, canyoneering and skiing in Utah and around the world. RRA guides are at a minimum state licensed, insured and hold first aid and CPR certifications. Many of our river guides hold additional certifications in swift water rescue and whitewater instruction. Many, though not all, of our rock, ski and canyoneering guides are AMGA certified for the terrain they guide.
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Quality Equipment

When running trips quality equipment is paramount. We are proud to be a 'Preferred Guide Partner" of Black Diamond. RRA replaces its equipment on a regular basis. This ensures all the gear required to keep you safe and having fun is in top-notch shape.
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Reputation

RRA has earned the reputation of a professionally ran, top quality guide service. We are a tight knit family run business. Once you adventure with RRA we guarantee you'll be back for more.
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Do I need a reservation

YES! To guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially mid-summer and on holidays and weekends. In order to provide the type of trip the we have become known for we do limit the number of people on our trips and we do fill up. Make a reservation as soon as you have a good idea of when you want to ski or climb with us and you'll avoid disappointment. Feel free to call us about reservations at any time @ 1-877-259-4046 or email.
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About Age Limitations

Age limits are set for each of our trips to be within industry standards and in accordance with our insurance carrier. In some cases the published age is a guideline and people younger may participate. For trips with youth rate pricing we use the following guidelines. Youth Rate = 15 years and younger!
Adults = 16 years and up!
Some trips are priced on a per person basis regardless of age.
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Which Trip to Choose

We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a wide variety or trips. We also realize that this can create confusion. We are a fantastic resource and look forward to helping you choose the trip that is perfect for you and your group. Please feel free to call or email with any questions you might have, we love to help. Often after a brief conversation with one of our staff the the answers become clear.
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What to Bring

Red River Adventures tries to make your trip with us as easy as possible! We will clearly outline what we will provide and let you know what you need to bring. Generally all necessary group equipment for you to take part in our trips is included. Please NOTE! Skis, ski boots, poles, ice climbing boots and personal clothing are NOT included in the cost of trips. Rentals are available and RRA will assist you in reserving any gear you might need. We will provide trip specific lists to assist you in bringing the right things.
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What Risks Are Involved

Red River Adventures has an unblemished safety record. We personally screen and train our employees vigorously each year. Our climbing, skiing and canyoneering guides are highly trained and many, though not all, are AMGA trained or certified for the terrian they guide. Our trips take place in rugged, remote "wilderness" settings. You should be in good general health to participate.
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Charter and Group Rates

Red River Adventures offers a group rate discount of 10% to groups of 10 or more. Additional rates reductions are available for school, club, church, or special-interest groups on some trips. We are happy to, when ever possible, customized trip lengths and itineraries. Please contact us for help in arranging your charter trip or for group rate information.
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What To Pack

Red River Adventures will provide all the technical equipment required to guide our listed climbing options. However, climbers are strongly encouraged to bring their own climbing gear, if they have it, on our guided climbs. Instructors will inspect any personal equipment brought prior to use on our trips. In some instances, there may be a required gear list. This will be distributed prior to the course dates.

Ice Climbing

  • Down Coat/Synthetic puffy coat
  • jacket/pants(soft shell or gortex)
  • coat or other warm under layers
  • three pairs of gloves
  • hat that fits under a helmet
  • bottle/thermos for hot tea
  • sunscreen
  • warmers/Toe warmers

General

We are always available to answer any questions you may have. A complete packing list will be emailed prior to your trip.

Reservations

Option #1 - Most of our Adventures can be booked by clicking the "Book Now" button for the trip you want.

Option #2 - For those trips that do not open a calendar Call 1-435-259-4046
or Email us through our Contact Page

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! Many dates sell out far in advance!
A refundable payment is due to guarantee reservation.

Book Now!

Accepted Credit Cards

Cancellations

Full & Half Day Trips

  • 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
  • Balance is due and will be charged 7 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellation/changes made 7 days prior to departure are FREE!
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 7 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Full & Half day - Large Group (14 or more)

  • 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
  • Balance is due and will be charged 14 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellation/changes made 14 days prior to departure are FREE!
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 14 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Clinics, Courses, and Exams

  • 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
  • Balance is due and will be charged 30 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellation/changes made 30 days prior to departure are FREE!
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 30 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

International trips

  • A refundable deposit of 10% is required to hold space.
  • 120 days - 50% is due and will be charge to the card on file.
  • 60 days - 100% is due and will be charged to the card on file.
  • Cancellation 60 days prior to departure are FREE. A full refund will be given.
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 60 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Europe

  • A non- refundable deposit of 25% is required to hold space.
  • 90 days - Balance is due and will be charged to the card on file.
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 90 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Please Note: RRA recommends you insure your trip!

We HIGHLY recommend purchasing trip insurance. Please use Tin Leg or similar to insure your trip, course or clinic if you are not protected by your airline, credit card, or another third party.

Purchasing travel insurance no matter the size or length of your trip will protect against loss in the event of an unforeseen, or last-minute, change in circumstances.

Cancellations or changes for ANY reason, including Covid-19, inside our established cut-offs will not be refunded or rescheduled. Please consider protecting yourself by insuring your purchase!

General

RRA reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings or any other circumstances beyond our control at anytime. RRA will make every effort to reschedule the date. Bookings that are unable to be rescheduled or are cancelled by RRA will receive a full refund.

Weather

Weather is part of the dynamic environment in which we operate. We may experience conditions that you do not consider ideal. If we determine that conditions are suitable for the activity you have booked and you instead wish to cancel/discontinue the trip, we will, whenever practical, end the trip at your request with no refund. If conditions are such that RRA deems it unwise to continue, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary, which may include, but may not be limited to, shortening of route or length of trip. We may also change venue or cancel the remainder of your trip. If, at time of cancellation, the trip is less than 1/2 complete, we will charge 50% of trip fee. If the trip is between 1/2 and completed, a full trip fee is charged.

Alcohol

Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip. Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.

River Rafting Reviews and Red River Adventure Testimonials!

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Caitlin Mollahan
April 22, 2023

Amazing trip and guide! Would do it again

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Michelle Harrison
April 20, 2023

We had a blast canyoneering the Bow and Arrow Canyon with Dan! He is a great well experienced guide. He is also super fun and patient. It was our first time canyoneering and we all loved it! We would highly recommend this trip to anyone!

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Jen Hocherman
April 18, 2023

This half day rafting trip was fantastic! We would absolutely recommend it! Our guide Dan was knowledgeable and had lots of interesting information to share along the way. We rafted through four sets of rapids, got soaked, and had fun!

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Makayla Taylor
April 17, 2023

Every part of this was amazing!! Dan was our tour guide and he was incredible! 100% recommend.

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Joyann McChesney
April 17, 2023

Great day, fantastic guides! Highly recommend.

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Alison Browning
April 12, 2023

We did Bow & Arrow route 2 adults, 2 middle schoolers. Kenzie was fantastic, especially with helping one child face fears on the big rappel. This is a great activity for adventurous families

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Adam Smith
April 10, 2023

We had an awesome experience! I took my 4 kids ages 9-16 on the Morning Glory canyoneering trip. Our guide Kenzie was awesome! The 2 rappelling spots of 90 & 120 ft in Grandstaff were amazing and the most memorable time for my kids in Moab. Thank you!

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Lisa reese
April 10, 2023

Carl was very easy to work with in planning your trip. All guides were fun, knowledgeable, and confident in their skills. I would recommend the Bow and Arrow as it has the most repels. The hike up and in was very scenic.

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Brandon Swenson
April 7, 2023

Honestly the best river rafting company group in Moab. They are local experts, the guide we had really gave us a good time out there. Next time we're in Moab we're comin back!

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George
April 3, 2023

Canyoneering was incredible! Our guide, Brian, was very knowledgeable about rappelling and the terrain. He made our group feel very safe the whole way. Highly recommended if you’re looking for an adventure!

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William Kellagher
April 2, 2023

I did the Rock of Ages Canyoneering trip today & it was AWESOME!! Brian was an amazing guide and the group I was with was great. The best day I had on my Moab trip! If you're afraid of heights like me, don't let that stop you from booking a trip. It was incredible day

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Brett Woodward
March 15, 2023

I took AIARE lvl 1 with Garth and Jeremy and I learned a ton and had a great time in the process, couldn’t ask for more!

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Jake Scheuerlein
March 15, 2023

Garth and Jeremy were fantastic instructors and I plan on taking my Level 2 first thing next season thru RRA.

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Antoine Rioux
March 7, 2023

Amazing experience! Our guide John understood very well our expectations for the day and chose safe options to have a lot of fun despite the considerable risk for avalanches (> 60 inches of snow in the last days).

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Nathan Dorfman
February 28, 2023

I could not be more satisfied with my AIARE 1 class with Red River Adventures and awesome instructors Jake and Garth. Engaging, educational and a ton of fun.

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Rebecca Raich
February 27, 2023

Great AIARE 1 class - instructors knew their stuff and were patient & professional. Class was pretty intensive, but I now feel like I can more safely adventure in the backcountry.

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hudsonm777
February 27, 2023

Highly recommend. Friend and I hired a guide for our first time ice climbing. Bryan was super knowledgeable and helped everyone grow and have a great time.

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Zoe Huish
February 27, 2023

Had my Avy 1 Course this weekend led by Garth Tino and Jake Scheinman. They were both fantastic instructors and people. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

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Nathan Hernday
February 20, 2023

Had an awesome time doing some ice climbing, guided by Jake. I was hoping to do as much learning as possible on gear and techniques, and he was fun and full of all the info that I was looking for. Jake and Red River Adventures are both highly recommended.

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Lisa Ryan
February 17, 2023

We just got done with our tour with Jake. It was amazing! He was very educational and also very helpful for our first time out! I would highly recommend Red River Adventures for any touring trip.

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Christine Patterson
February 14, 2023

Awesome experience with John in the backcountry. Perfect mix of fun runs and learning experiences. Definitely a day I won’t forget !

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Ben Romney
February 6, 2023

Did a one week guided ski trip in Hokkaido with Carl and local guide Mako. It was, without hyperbole, the best damn trip of my life. Skiing was phenomenal, followed by an amazingly relaxing, refreshing, and energizing onsen visit, then wonderful drinks/dinner, at a different spot every night for a great variety of Japanese cuisine. I honestly could t have asked for more.

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Steven Obrzut
February 4, 2023

Great, friendly, and knowledgeable

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Ema Waring
January 30, 2023

Brian J was a great guide for the beginner, full-day ice climbing tour in UT! Coming in with no prior experience, my party felt safe the whole time. It was a great workout and experience.

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Kyle W.
January 30, 2023

Brian was an amazing guide for our ice climbing excursion and Red River made the whole experience super seamless and easy. 10/10 would book again.

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Brian
January 29, 2023

The pow was legendary. The laughs were all time. One of the best trips of my life. Carl and co have it dialed.

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Austin McMullen
January 25, 2023

Amazing experience with Jake in my Level 1 course!

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Scott Conway
January 17, 2023

John and Adam lead us through the 3 day Avi 1 experience. It was very informative, well-managed and adaptive for the different skill levels of the class and accounting for the weather changes. I can not wait to take the next course with them.

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Sarah Clark
January 15, 2023

Great day in the mountains with a great guide

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Andrew Grimes
January 14, 2023

Really knowledge and professional guides. We had a super informative, well organized Avy1 class that was also a fun time. Thanks John and Adam!

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Mark Holbrook
January 10, 2023

Wonderful trip with them skiing in BC with Northern Escapes Heli skiing!

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A Google User
January 10, 2023

Red River put on a great Avy AIARE 1 course. Great knowledgeable guides giving practical skills that can be used everyday we are planning to go into the backcountry.

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Mark Sghiatti
January 9, 2023

Instructors were great. Super friendly and accommodating.

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Andrew Upton
December 30, 2022

Knowledgeable folks that are precise and efficient. Added a lot of fun to an avy 1 course while highlighting the dangers of the activity

Awesome experience. Carl was great at picking terrain to match ability and gave helpful tips /instruction

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Brian Cain
December 24, 2022

We took an avalanche rescue class in the Wasatch with Red River. Our guide, Jake, was awesome! Small group, great/welcoming educational environment, fun all around. Update: came back for AIARE 2 and I'd give another 5 stars if I could. Another small group size. Chris & Sam were gurus. Both Red River classes were like an AMA with the snow oracle.

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Ada S
December 21, 2022

Derek was a great guide, would highly recommend.

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Luke Counterman
December 21, 2022

Took the AIRIE-1 course through Red River Adventures. Our guides John, Jake, and Garth were fantastic. The layout of the three days worked very well. There was an emphasis on participation especially in mapping and pre-trip planning. Group size was small on field days, 5-6 people per instructor, which enhanced learning. Overall exceeded my expectations for the course and had a blast skiing in the Wasatch backcountry to boot.

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Max Valverde
December 15, 2022

Had an incredible avalanche one course. John, Jake, and Garth are true professionals and total legends in the backcountry. I’d learn from these guys, or go on a tour with them as guides any day of the week! Thanks again gents.

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Shawn Gordon
December 10, 2022

Great Avalanche Rescue course. A good refresher for the season. Highly recommend John as a guide! His help and advice doesn't end when the class is over.

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Jason L
December 10, 2022

John taught our avalanche rescue course and was fantastic. I am so much better prepared to respond in an emergency.

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Ashley Bovee
December 8, 2022

Red River Adventure is the place to go for an Avy course! The guides are extremely educated, fun, and it is clear they love what they do. They were able to answer all my questions and beyond. John and Jake did a great job with the course, leaving me with more confidence, but respect, in the backcountry than ever before.

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Pr3Historic
November 30, 2022

Kaya, Mary, and Spencer were the best guides one could ask for in every way

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Ellie Jacques
November 30, 2022

Had an epic time with Kaya, Spencer, and Mary at crack camp. HIGHLY recommend crack camp for other climbers who have been on a couple cracks but lack formal instruction in crack climbing. Staff was professional and RRA/Carl was super helpful and communicative.

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Anna Schapiro
October 23, 2022

We had a relaxing ride down the river in Moab with a guide who was extremely knowledgeable about the surroundings. Sadly Labor Day was the last day of the season for rafting. Keep that in mind!

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Bruce Whittemore
October 12, 2022

Ben was an awesome guide. He was great to hang with. Was safety conscious, and was extremely helpful. We would definitely enjoy climbing with him again

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David Zane
September 25, 2022

Unbelievably professional and skilled - amazing time

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Keilah Butler
September 7, 2022

Great guides, great experience! Thanks!

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Savannah Houle
September 6, 2022

It Was Absolutely Amazing, Had Such A Wonderful Time ! Loved Being Able To Swim And Enjoy The Views

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Joe Carissimi
September 5, 2022

Great full day tour!! Sarah was an awesome guide. Good time had by all. Highly recommend it.