INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING

This comprehensive two day ice climbing course focuses on providing students with a safe and reliable ice climbing system that promotes fast progression. Utilizing the latest in modern equipment, techniques and instruction, critical lessons include hazard management, climbing commands, ice terminology, route selection, ice grades, and more.

Day 1 will cover our 10 lesson plan. Day 2 we will focus on fine-tuning ice climbing technique, critical skills are covered including placing and removing ice screws, building reliable anchors, making and assessing v-thread anchors, rappelling on ice, rope handling, leading ice (with mock lead safety) and setting up top-ropes.

To prepare climbers to safely venture on their own additional skills include avalanche & weather forecast, determining proper route choice, using guidebooks, other equipment needs, how to best rack up, and more.

By the end of the weekend you will not only have had an incredible two days but you will be ready to head out on your own and take on some of the world’s best routes right here in the Coast Mountain Range.

Lift Ticket: If you do NOT currently possess a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (Seasons Pass, Spirit Pass, Edge Card, Epic Pass, etc.), you may buy a Lift Ticket through our office at checkout.

Day 1: Will start at 8:00am at the Mountain Skills Academy Office and finish around 4:30pm.

The guide will get everyone to sign a waiver before having a safety discussion and getting everyone to perform a gear check. Day 1 will be located 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.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 location for day 2 will be discussed on Day 1 with your guide. Possible locations possible include: Duffey Lakes, Whistler Valley or Blackcomb Mountain depending on conditions and student ability.

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.

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

• Mountaineering, Ski or snowboard boots
• 2 technical ice axes
• Crampons
• Helmet
• Harness
• Belay Device
• Water, lunch & snacks
• Sunscreen

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

Optional:

• Chemical toe warmers
• 30L day pack (we can provide if you don’t have one)

Ice Tools are provided by Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures, but if you have your own, please bring these with you so you can practice using your own gear.

Day 1:

• Equipment
• Environment & onsite safety
• Crampons
• Ice & tools
• Ice movement, stability, stance and balance
• Knots
• Belaying, rope management, commands and safety systems for top rope climbing

Day 2:

• Evaluate Weather & CAA Avalanche Forecast
• Ice screws, protection placement stances, v-threads, bolted anchors, screamer draws, v-thread hooking tool, screw quick clips
• Rappelling system
• How to best rack up and prepare for lead climbing
• Mock leads
• Cleaning ice screws

Click HERE for the full curriculum