Regarding colorado, b.c., or Washington, is it a friendly community in these places for newbies?
In Colorado, I suppose it depends on where you go and who you run into. Ice festivals are a very friendly environment for everyone, and they are so much fun. As far as people go, some are not friendly towards beginners (that may have been my young age when I started, too) and others are! Climbing areas are scattered through the state which requires flexibility, unless you go to Ouray. There are lots of climbing options in Ouray that are close.