INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED ICE CLIMBING

This course is recommended for ice climbers of intermediate to advanced abilities. The curriculum focuses on our experience-driven ice climbing technique; a technique refined by world class ice climber Eric Dumerac, as a foundation and development tool to enhance performance.

This is achieved through understanding the ice climbing technique phases and concepts:

• Stance
• Balance
• 3 dimensional plane
• Optimal route finding strategy
• Optimal protection placement
• Learning to rest
• Setting a pace
• Critical safety
• Acceptable level of risk decision making

All the key components are broken down, explained, demonstrated, practiced, error corrected and fine-tuned until we have the desired progression.

All instruction is provided with a maximum of 2 students per instructor, and our methodology is based on tailoring our mentorship to your needs.

Several key technique building exercises are rehearsed to establish a sound foundation. Bring your ice climbing to the next level with this excellent 2 day clinic.

**The price of the tour does not include a gondola ticket. Gondola tickets are available for purchase through our office.**

**All Courses subject to a minimum number of participants. 48 hour notice will be given if the minimum number has not been reached.

Each day will start at 8:15am at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre and finish around 4:30pm.

Day 1: The guide will get everyone to sign a waiver before having a safety discussion and getting everyone to perform a gear check. The guide will also choose the location and give an overview of the day's objectives. The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with short debrief.

Day 2: The guide will review what was covered on Day 1 and give an overview of the day's objectives. The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a course debrief and what the next steps will be.

Our favourable location is on Blackcomb mountain which requires access via the gondola. A pass can be purchased through MSAA at checkout. To climb on Blackcomb you must be at least an intermediate skier or snowboarder to access the climbing site.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals or need to purchase equipment, we have teamed up with the experts at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre. Follow the link HERE to purchase or rent gear for this course!

Individual Equipment

• Backpack 25-35L
• Harness
• Helmet
• Mountaineering boots
• 2 technical ice axes
• Crampons
• 2 locking carabiners
• 3 x 120cm sling
• Belay device
• 1 Abalacov Hooker
• 1 small knife
• 1 x 1m 7mm prussik
• 5 medium ice screws
• 4 long ice screws
• 6 quickdraws or 60cm slings or screamers with non-locking carabiners

Clothing

• Warm socks (wool/synthetic recommended)
• Insulating jacket (down or similar)
• Shell jacket (Gore-tex or similar)
• Shell trousers
• Warm gloves and shell gloves
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses

We highly recommend using your own gear so we can teach you the correct usage techniques and get you climbing comfortably in your own gear.

Day 1:

• Equipment
• Environment & onsite safety
• Performance ice climbing specific equipment reviewed
• IceXpert technique foundation reviewed and implemented.
• Participant technique comparison
• Belaying, rope management & commands

Day 2:

• Progression from previous day
• Technique
• Optimal route finding strategy
• Optimal protection placement
• Route strategy
• Critical safety and acceptable level of risk decision making
• Progression evaluation and feedback Ongoing practice with emphasis on any weaknesses

Click HERE for the full curriculum