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Discover Ice Climbing

Try something new.  Ice climbing is an amazing winter adventure. Here are some commonly asked questions:

So, what is ice climbing exactly?

It's the craziest thing to be honest! Climbing on a medium that is here today, gone tomorrow is a wild adventure, but an amazing experience given the ever changing colors and textures of the ice and adjacent rock.

Is ice climbing dangerous?

Yes and no. Ice is a notch up the hazard scale from rock climbing given all the sharp tools (crampons, ice tools, ice screws) and the medium that changes constantly. But our ice instructors are very conscious of any hazards and do all they can to keep you out of harms way.

How do I climb up the ice?
On moderate ice it's the coolest thing, as you can place your ice tools and crampons literally anywhere you like. .

Do you have to be a rock climber to be an ice climber?
Most of the people we see in courses have a rock background and are looking for a way to extend the climbing season, but this is not necessary as the skills are quite different.

What are the benefits of hiring a guide to take me ice climbing?
Given the complexities of ice climbing, a guide can accelerate the learning curve, let you try modern ice gear before you buy, be able to read the quality/stability of the ice, take you to the "hidden" ice climbs that most folks will miss.

Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Information

Book a Guided Trip

TRIP ITINERARY: Discover Ice Climbing

DAY 1

 

Day one will start with a detailed orientation of ice climbing and equipment: crampons, ice tools, and ice protection.  You will get to try many methods and styles for : Footwork, tool placement, and efficiency.

DAY 2

Day two will have you on steeper ice working on efficiency and ice protection.

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Prerequisites:

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  • A sense of adventure and good physical fitness.

Additional Information

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TRIP DETAILS

2009 Dates:

December 27-28

January 3-4

January 17-18

February  7-8

February 14-15

March 7-8

March  21-22

 

Trip Length:
2 days

Trip Difficulty:
Introductory

Cost:
$305

Recommended Prior SMG Courses:
Discover Rock Climbing

 

Recommended Follow-up SMG Courses:
Ice Climbing 2            Mixing it Up