Epidendrum frigidum is notable for inhabiting the high altitude tropical cloud forest (3–4 km high) near the tree line, sometimes on trees and sometimes terrestrially "on damp rocks a short distance from eternal snow.

Like other members of Epidendrum subgenus Euepidendrum Lindl., the stem is covered by foliaceous sheathes of the distichous leaves.

The leathery leaves are ovate-oblong, obtuse at the end, and curve backward at the edges.

The erect paniculate inflorescence with drooping branches arises from the apex of the stem, without any spathe at the base.

[3] The rigid sepals and petals do not open widely, but surround the cordate lip which is adnate to the column to its apex and has an entire margin.