With world-class ice climbing cliffs less than a fifteen-minute walk from the parking area, this climbing course will maximize your time amidst the vertical! Our Introduction to Ice Climbing Course takes place on the flanks of the glacially carved Hyalite Canyon walls, situated on the northern fringe of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Our experienced ice climbing guides customize all ice climbing instruction to each individual’s climbing abilities and experience levels. Ice climbing technique is our focal point and you will be learning from the pros, and then putting the climbing lessons into action. Each day will be filled with continual feedback, instruction, and as much climbing as possible! Participants will walk away from our 2-day Introduction to Ice Climbing course with a solid ice climbing foundation; including the safety, knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to enjoy the wild and wonderful sport of ice climbing.
SKILL CHECKLIST:
- Ability to identify ice climbing equipment, properly don and check harness, helmet, boots, and crampons.
- Belay communications.
- Climbing knots and hitches: Figure 8 Follow-through, Double Fisherman’s, Prussic, Munter, Clove Hitch, and Water Knot.
- Proper top rope anchor placement and setup.
- Rappel setup and techniques with friction devices.
- Ice climbing technique up to WI4 with coaching.
The MAG ice guides are composed of some of the most experienced climbing guides in The Rockies, with years of teaching and guiding in Hyalite Canyon and elsewhere. We love to pass our ice climbing knowledge on to new eager ice climbers. No experience is necessary for this course, which is why we are here!
Hyalite Canyon is arguably the best ice climbing venue in the US. With its close proximity to Bozeman’s Gallatin Field International Airport, Hyalite Canyon is undoubtedly the most convenient and affordable world-class ice climbing venue to access in all of North America.
In addition to this 2-day course, you can maximize your time and expenses with one of our “Bonus Day Ice Climbs”. With a newly established skillset, you will impress yourself at what you will be able to climb!
Day 1
7:30 am at Montana Alpine Guides
- Meet your guide at MAG’s shop, 13 Enterprise Blvd. in Bozeman.
- Fit all necessary gear and fill out paperwork.
- Caravan to Hyalite Canyon.
- Full day of instruction and climbing.
- Return to our shop between 3:30-4:30 pm.
Day 2
7:30 am at Montana Alpine Guides
- Meet at MAG shop, caravan to Hyalite Canyon.
- Review skills from Day 1.
- Introduction to steeper ice climbing techniques.
- Climbing with instruction/coaching on steeper climbs.
- Photo opportunities on routes.
- Return to our shop between 3:30-4:30.
- Return gear, debrief from the trip, grab a MAG hoody or shirt.
Dates: Dec. 14, Dec. 21, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 8
Cost: Private Rates
Ratio: 2:1 (minimum of 2 participants)
Put your new skills to use for a great day on a private guided climb. Available to those who have completed the course – pair up with another course participant to get the 2:1 rate on a day of guided climbing! On this day we head up to one of the multi-pitch (several rope lengths in height) climbs in Hyalite.
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT:
- Boots: single insulated ice climbing boot with crampon compatibility*
- Climbing Harness*
- Climbing Helmet*
- Ice Tools (2)*
- Crampons: step-in with vertical front points must fit your boots*
- Belay Device and locking carabiner*
**We can provide these items but we must know in advance, particularly boot size**
CLOTHING LIST:
If your body runs cold you may want to add another layer
- Long underwear, mid-weight (top & bottom), synthetic or wool.
- Softshell pant (lightly insulated)
- Fleece or sweater (medium or lightweight)
- Fleece (heavyweight)-have as backup in case your trip is during a cold snap
- Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
- Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
- Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex)
- Socks (mid-weight)
- Hat: fleece or wool hat that covers ears & fits under a helmet
- Gloves: one thin pair (medium weight) and one thick pair
- Gaiters (optional)
- Neck gaiter/buff or scarf
OTHER:
- Daypack: 40-55L with ice tool carrying capabilities.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Thermos: optional but wonderful to have
- 1-liter water bottle with insulated sleeve (full!)
- Food for the day: energy bars, GU packs, or Hammer Gels
- Hint: keep some food in your pockets so it doesn’t freeze.
- Camera (optional), we have GoPro helmet cam mounts.
MULTI-PITCH CLIMBS ONLY:
- Headlamp
- Super light 10-20-liter pack to bring on route for belay coat, H2O, and food.
- Alternatively have a method to clip the above items to harness.
- Optional second base layer top to change in to after long sweaty approaches.
- Plastic ice-screw holders that are pre-mounted to your harness.
Course Duration
2 day course
Don’t see course dates to match your schedule? Book a Private Course for any dates.
Course Dates
- December 12-13- w/ RMI Expeditions
- December 19-20
- January 16-17
- FULL February 13-14 w/ RMI Expeditions
- March 6-7
Cost
$495 for 2-day course (no extra costs)
Includes
- Professional guiding and instruction
- All equipment (ice tools, boots, crampons, helmet, & harness)
Ratio
4 : 1 (max of 8 participants : 2 guides)
NOTE: With 8 participants, we will have two 4:1 climbing teams to maintain better social distancing.
Don’t see course dates or schedule that works for you?
Visit our calendar for other course dates for you or your group.