Description

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.

Equipment List

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 8
  • January 12
  • March 9

Cost

$210
No extra costs

Request Info

Don’t see course dates or schedule that works for you?
Visit our calendar for other course dates for you or your group.