EDUCATIONAL COURSE
Leading Ice
Take the lead with confidence. Set in world-class Hyalite Canyon, this 1-day course is designed for climbers ready to move from following to leading their own ice climbs. With low ratios and expert instruction, you’ll gain hands-on practice placing protection, building anchors, and managing risk—while refining movement, lead belaying, and decision-making skills. The result: plenty of climbing, personalized coaching, and the knowledge and confidence to step onto the sharp end safely and effectively.
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Develop your ability to read ice, assess conditions, and choose safe lines
Practice placing and evaluating protection, including ice screws and anchors
Build multi-point, multi-directional, and V-thread anchors
Understand fall dynamics, load forces, and efficient lead climbing techniques
Practice lead belays and belaying from above
Fine-tune gear selection, placement, and best use
Hone strategic movement and pacing on routes
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Climbers enrolling in our Leading Ice Climbing Course should have a solid background climbing on ice. Contact us about options if you feel you need to gain these skills.
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Professional climbing guide and instruction
Personal climbing gear (ice climbing boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, helmet)
Group gear (ropes, carabiners, climbing protection, slings, cordelettes, etc.)
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Food, water, transport, lodging
Technical clothing, backpack, etc.
Rescue insurance
Trip insurance
Guide gratuity
Unforeseen expenses from circumstances outside of Montana Alpine Guides’ control
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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!)
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Please see our Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.
COURSE DATES
Don’t see course dates to match your schedule? Book a Private Course for any dates!
COURSE DURATION
1 Day
COST
$275/participant
Prices do not include a 4% Public Land Use Fee.
RATIO
4:1 (max of 8 participants: 2 guides)
Note: With 8 participants, we will have two 4:1 climbing teams
