When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides
Why Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Summit Ascents International is a small, highly respected mountain guiding company based in Golden, Colorado, renowned for personalized, expert-led outdoor adventures. Specializing in rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing, their services cater to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, within areas like Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder County. What sets them apart is their focus not only on climbing but also on fostering friendships, inspiring appreciation for the great outdoors, and encouraging clients to realize their potential. Their certified guides bring passion, professionalism, and safety to every excursion, holding advanced training and current wilderness first aid and CPR certifications. Tours include introductory ice climbing, ski mountaineering, and more extensive climbs in iconic Colorado locations like the Flatirons and Rifle Mountain Park. The company also emphasizes environmental stewardship, practicing Leave No Trace principles and partnering with local land agencies. This blend of expert guidance, personalized attention, and memorable experiences makes Summit Ascents International an exceptional place to meet friends and challenge oneself in nature.
Here's what people think of Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides
As of recent, Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides holds a 5-star rating based on 41 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Summit Ascents International for their professionalism, expert knowledge, and ability to create fun, safe, and educational outdoor experiences. Users highlight the friendly and detail-oriented instructors who tailor experiences to individual needs and skill levels, including memorable moments like giving ample climbing time for children. Positive reviews frequently mention the high value placed on safety measures, thorough explanations during instruction, and the encouraging atmosphere that helped many novices feel confident in challenging activities like ice climbing. Clients also appreciate the company's passion for adventure and the lasting friendships forged during tours. On the other hand, negative reviews are minimal, with no significant or recurring complaints reported across platforms, underscoring the company's consistent excellence in service. Overall, the reviews reflect a trusted guiding company that delivers unforgettable adventures, personalized attention, and professional expertise, making Summit Ascents International a top choice for mountain sports enthusiasts of all levels.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Richard Stubing
My daughter and I climbed First Flat Iron with Steve July 13, 2025. It was a great experience. Steve is incredibly knowledgeable and a good teacher in addition to the all-important - you know you are going to be safe with him. We will definitely come back and do another climb with him in the future.
stephanie sandoval
I got to give it up to SAI for putting on the most thorough Gym 2 Crag clinic. For someone who is very new to climbing, I left feeling confident in the knowledge I had gained. Newt, and Dan were extremely patient w the whole crew and made us feel comfortable trying things for the first time. You can tell they love what they do. I hope to continue my climbing journey w these guys!
Roma G. Velasco
I am glad we went with SAI for a full day of ice climbing! I took a friend and my boyfriend, who were both climbing ice for the first time, on a full-day custom guided ice climbing. Dan, our guide, took us to a “secret” waterfall 😀 and we had the entire place to ourselves. At first, I was worried about who will be our guide but Dan turned out to be a very cool guy. We have learned so much from Dan. He’s definitely psyched to share his knowledge and he taught us the important things we needed to know about ice climbing, from proper form to setting up bomber ice anchors. Dan was very good at explaining in details and the “why” behind each pro tip he’s shared to us. This is only my 3rd season ice climbing and I would have never known some of the things I’ve learned from Dan about ice climbing just by TRing ice with friends. I am definitely going with SAI again for my future ice climbing training and maybe more. I have also recommended them already with friends. Also, if you are a gear nerd, Dan is the man! I’ve already procured new gear because of him. 🤑 Dan and Scott live and breathe climbing, wether is it on ice or rock. Both Scott and Dan were very responsive and just amazing to speak with as well!
Rene Gates
We used SAI to guide a day of outdoor climbing for my 12-year-old son and his friend, who both have experience with indoor climbing. Dan did an amazing job of aligning the day with their interests and abilities and giving them a lot of confidence to climb outdoors. Safety was a top priority at all times and he spent a lot of time discussing safety practices with the boys as they were climbing. I would highly recommend Dan and SAI for your outdoor adventures!!
Jenni Hanley
I loved my guided climb with Newt! He chose a great spot that was shaded and not too crowded. Loved the routes he chose for us, which got gradually more challenging. He had a really nice mix of providing some beta while also encouraging us to figure it out for ourselves. Would definitely book an excursion with him again!
How to reach Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides
None
Website: None
Why Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Summit Ascents International with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides provides an unforgettable outdoor adventure combined with expert guidance and personal growth. This highly rated company, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from over 40 reviews, creates a welcoming, safe, and inspiring environment that transforms a casual meetup into a thrilling experience that bonds your group through shared challenge and discovery. Unlike typical gatherings, here you are not just spectators; you actively engage in climbing, skiing, and mountaineering activities that encourage teamwork, trust, and exhilaration set against the stunning natural backdrop of Colorado’s mountains. The guides’ professionalism and keen attention to safety mean even novices can feel confident, making it an inclusive choice for groups with diverse skill levels. Additionally, the focus on friendship and the joy of nature ensures that everyone walks away with great memories and a fresh perspective. For those seeking a unique group meetup that combines excitement, education, and connection, Summit Ascents International delivers an experience that is not only fun but deeply rewarding.
What activities can you do at Summit Ascents International?
Summit Ascents International offers a variety of outdoor activities designed to accommodate beginners to advanced adventurers, making it ideal for groups with mixed experience levels. Their popular offerings include rock climbing at renowned sites like North Table and Rifle Mountain Park, where clients can learn foundational skills or hone their climbing techniques amidst breathtaking views. For winter enthusiasts, the company provides ice climbing lessons, including an Intro to Ice Climbing course that lets participants experience the unique thrill of ascending frozen waterfalls—a truly unforgettable challenge. Ski mountaineering and backcountry ski tours are also available, allowing your group to explore scenic snow-covered terrain while learning essential outdoor skills. These activities typically range from a few hours to full-day excursions, tailored to provide immersive, hands-on experiences. Each program emphasizes safety and individual pacing, ensuring that every group member feels comfortable and motivated. This breadth of adventure options makes Summit Ascents International a perfect destination for any group looking to bond over challenging and exhilarating mountain experiences.
Why is Summit Ascents International perfect for group meetups?
Summit Ascents International stands out as an excellent place for hosting group meetups because of its small company ethos centered on personalized attention, safety, and fostering friendships through shared outdoor adventure. Their certified guides are not only experts in technical skills but also passionate about creating a fun and educational environment where everyone feels included. For groups, this means each participant receives individualized coaching, which enhances safety and enjoyment. The company’s commitment to Leave No Trace principles means your group can enjoy the pristine natural surroundings responsibly, enriching the connection to the environment. Additionally, the company caters to varying group interests with diverse activities such as rock climbing, ice climbing, and ski mountaineering, allowing your meetup to mix and match adventures to suit the mood and skill levels present. Beyond the physical activities, the guides encourage camaraderie by sharing stories, skills, and laughter, helping form lasting bonds. Furthermore, the location near Boulder, Colorado, offers convenient access yet feels remote enough to provide a refreshing escape from everyday life.
How does Summit Ascents International ensure safety and quality?
Safety and quality are top priorities at Summit Ascents International, making it a reliable choice for groups venturing into the outdoors together. Their guides hold advanced training certifications, including CPR and wilderness first aid, ensuring they can handle emergencies promptly and professionally. Before every climb or ski tour, guides thoroughly explain the activities and safety procedures, setting clear expectations and building participant confidence. Client reviews highlight the company’s attention to detail and structured approach, which allow even novices, including young teenagers, to participate in climbing and rappelling safely. The meticulous equipment preparation and constant supervision during activities minimize risks and maximize enjoyment. The guides also teach relevant safety skills as part of the experience, empowering clients to become more independent and knowledgeable adventurers. This focus on safety and client satisfaction has earned Summit Ascents International consistent five-star reviews, reflecting their outstanding professionalism and dedication.
What makes the guides at Summit Ascents International unique?
The team at Summit Ascents International is composed of passionate adventurers who are also expert instructors, making each outing both educational and inspiring. Unlike larger guiding companies, the small, tight-knit crew provides personalized attention that helps clients build skills at their own pace. Feedback from previous clients praises the guides for their friendly demeanor, patience, and ability to tailor instruction based on individual and group needs. Their enthusiasm for the outdoors is infectious, creating an atmosphere where clients feel encouraged to push their limits safely and enjoy the process of learning something new. Moreover, the guides embody a commitment to environmental stewardship by practicing and promoting Leave No Trace ethics, allowing groups to experience the mountain environment responsibly. This holistic approach to guiding combines technical expertise with interpersonal support and environmental care, enriching the overall experience beyond just the physical activities.
How accessible is Summit Ascents International for beginners and families?
Summit Ascents International is notably welcoming to beginners and families, which makes it an excellent choice for social gatherings that include people of varying ages and skill levels. The guides are experienced in introducing novices to climbing and backcountry skiing in a patient, thorough manner, ensuring participants feel comfortable and competent. For example, a 13-year-old client was able to have ample climbing time and even experience rappelling, highlighting the inclusive, adaptable nature of the instruction. The company offers introductory courses like the Intro to Ski Mountaineering and Beginner Ice Climbing, which do not require prior experience but still provide a thrilling taste of mountain adventure. The focus on education and safety offers reassurance to parents and group leaders, making it easier to bring along children and inexperienced friends. This approach fosters a supportive setting where everyone can enjoy themselves and build confidence together, making it ideal for family meetups or mixed friend groups.
Why is the location of Summit Ascents International ideal for outdoor group activities?
Located near Boulder, Colorado, Summit Ascents International benefits from proximity to some of the most scenic and challenging mountain landscapes in the state. This location combines accessibility from urban centers with the charm and serenity of the Rocky Mountains, offering groups an escape into nature without a long or complicated journey. The nearby climbing areas, such as North Table Mountain and Rifle Mountain Park, provide varying terrain types that cater to different skill levels and preferences, enabling personalized adventure itineraries. Winter activities like ice climbing and ski mountaineering are available in scenic parks with reliable snow and ice conditions, ensuring consistent adventure opportunities throughout the year. This geographic advantage means your meetup can be planned around your group’s scheduling needs while still feeling like a remote wilderness retreat. Furthermore, the stunning vistas and fresh mountain air naturally enhance the mood of any group, encouraging bonding and memorable shared experiences.
What group experiences stand out based on client reviews?
Clients repeatedly highlight how their group outings with Summit Ascents International turn into unforgettable memories filled with fun, learning, and camaraderie. Reviews praise the guides’ ability to make advanced-seeming activities like ice climbing accessible and exciting, with one participant noting how instructors helped overcome initial doubts to enjoy the full experience. Families report satisfaction with the child-friendly approach and the high level of safety, emphasizing that even young participants left thrilled and eager to return. The company is lauded for its professionalism, thorough safety briefings, and the welcoming, personal nature of the tours, which consistently result in positive, fun-filled days. Many groups mention the inspirational atmosphere, where clients support each other and grow together, which transforms a meetup into a meaningful adventure. The repeat bookings and recommendations from past clients attest to the strong reputation Summit Ascents International has built as a top-tier guiding company for groups seeking outdoor adventure and connection.