This clinic is designed for women interested in building their ice climbing craft. Whether brand new to ice climbing, experienced and looking to hone movement skills, or interested in learning about ice protection and technical skills we’ve got you covered. No matter your background, all abilities are welcome. We work in a small 4:1 ratio allowing for each participants’ goals to be met.
Day 1
7:00 am at Montana Alpine Guides
- Meet your guide at the MAG office (4055 Valley Commons Drive, Suite F-4).
- Fit gear and fill out necessary paperwork.
- Caravan to Ousel Falls.
- Welcome, introduction, aspiration, goals, agenda.
- Knots, harnesses, and ropes.
- Set crampons to boots and check harnesses.
- Discussion of safety procedures.
- Basic ice climbing movement – foot work with crampons and ice tool placements.
- Basic belay techniques and belay commands.
- Learn about anchors, lowering, rappelling.
- Top-rope climbs at Ousel Falls and practice your skills while being coached by the pros!
- Debrief of the Day 1 and depart climbing venue at 3:30-4:30 pm.
Day 2
7:00 am at Montana Alpine Guides
- Meet your guide at the MAG office (4055 Valley Commons Drive, Suite F-4), caravan to Hyalite Canyon.
- Review of skills from Day 1.
- Warm-up climb and techniques to stay warm while ice climbing.
- Introduction to steep ice climbing techniques and the pyramid technique.
- Climbing with instruction/coaching on steeper climbs. With proper technique you will quickly progress in the ice climbing grades.
- Introduction to ice screw placements and other protection options.
- Practice “seconding” a “lead” ice climber, cleaning gear from a good stance.
- Return to the MAG office at 3:30-4:30 pm.
- Debrief of trip, return gear, grab a MAG hoody or shirt.
Please see our Ice Climbing Equipment List for the required equipment for this trip. Technical equipment (ice climbing boots, crampons, ice tools, helmet, and harness) are included in the cost and can be provided. This must be coordinated in advance (especially boot sizes!)
Lindsay Fixmer
Since her initiation into climbing in 1999, Lindsay has traveled to world-class climbing destinations and guides clients of all abilities on rock, ice, and alpine climbs. She began a career coaching youth competitive climbing teams and managing climbing gyms. Lindsay transitioned to guiding and has worked extensively across the country and abroad. Lindsay is an ice aficionado, naturally bringing this passion to Montana Alpine Guides. When Lindsay isn’t climbing, you can catch her playing guitar and singing or enjoying a homemade cappuccino.
Notable guiding achievements and ascents:
- Rock, ice, and alpine guide since 2006
- Sierra, CO and MT Rockies, Tetons, N Cascades, Alaska, Southeast, Northeast, NV, UT
- Ice: San Juan & Elk Ranges, CO; Hyalite Canyon, Bozeman, MT; Cody, WY; eastern Sierra; New Hampshire and Vermont; Iceland
- International: Mexico, Argentina, Iceland
- First ascents in Iceland and India
Certifications:
- AMGA CWI Provider Trainer
- AMGA Certified Rock Guide
-
AMGA Certified Alpine Guide
-
AIARE Pro II Certification
- Wilderness First Responder/CPR
- Leave No Trace Trainer
Course Duration
2 Days
Course Dates
- March 21-22, 2024
Don’t see course dates to match your schedule? Book a Private Course for any dates!
Cost
$495 for 2-day course (no extra costs)
Includes
- Professional guiding and instruction
- All technical equipment (ice tools, boots, crampons, helmet, and 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.
MINIMUM ENROLLMENT: 3 climbers
Don’t see course dates that work for you?
Visit our calendar to check out our other courses!