This course is for those who have experience climbing on ice and want to tap in to some of the techniques necessary for leading ice routes. Topics covered include:
- Risk assessment
- Ice Screw placements and removal, protection evaluation
- Multi-point/multi-directional anchor construction
- V-Threads
- Fall factors and forces created
- Technique and lead-climbing strategy
- Lead belays and belaying from above
- Equipment selection and use
PREREQUISITES: Climbers enrolling in our Leading Ice Climbs Courses should have a solid background in climbing on ice. Contact us about options if you feel you need to gain these skills.
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.
- Soft shell 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.
- Sun screen
- 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 Go Pro 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 method to clip 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
1 day course
Don’t see course dates to match your schedule? Book a Private Course for any dates.
Course Dates
- December 12, 2020
- February 6, 2021
Cost
$275
Includes: ice boots, tools, crampons, harness, and helmet
No extra costs
Don’t see course dates or schedule that works for you?
Visit our calendar for other course dates for you or your group.