PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST FOR AN IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION TOWARDS THE END

Ok, since so many people asked for it, we'll be doing another beginning ice climbing class. Last year we took an awesome ice climbing class with Sierra Mountaineering. This year I want to get a new group to take that same class so we can have a good number of people that know the basics and go on to do some climbing on our own, take the intermediate class, and see what else we want to do with this amazing sport. I like ice climbing even more than rock climbing, so I'll probably be doing a lot of it. Also, ice climbing is an essential skill to have for more advanced mountaineering. So let's get into it!

Because I know I can get a big group we're getting an AMAZING discount of 120.00 for our group. Their regular price is $350.00. Last year I shopped around and the best I could find everywhere else was $320. They are giving it to us for $230.00! That’s with all the equipment included, for two days of private instruction at the Lee Vining/ June Lake in the sierras, which is less than 5 hours away. Perfect, perfect, perfect!!

In this class we’ll learn the basics of ice climbing, use of equipment and ice protection, and practice different styles and methods for two full days with our own guides. We’ll meet with our guides at 7 am, head out to the location and stay there the whole day, heading out just in time so we get back before dark

We should get there on Friday night so that we can be ready to go at 7. Of course we'll need a hotel for Saturday night too. I haven’t made any reservations, but rooms will run about 60-70 bucks and we can put up to 4 people in each room. If some are willing to bring their sleeping bag and crash on the floor, we may put even more people and save some money, since we'll just use the room to sleep. I'll let you guys arrange carpool and rooming yourselves. Just post on the comments that you are looking for carpool and roommates.

Right now we have enough guides assigned to our group that we can have 6 people. If we get more than 6 people they will try to get another guide and so on. If we end up with too many people and they don't have enough guides, we will do another group the following weekend, so if the trip if full, please put your name on the waiting list so I can see if we have enough people for a second group. Also, if you put your name on the waiting list, please let me know you would be willing to go the following weekend, January 28 and 29.

As always I need the payment immediately when you RSVP. I’m posting this on a few groups, so I can’t be chasing people for money. If you RSVP and don’t pay, I will have to remove your RSVP so you can go back and pay. I'm not mad, and I'm not kicking you out; but if you lose your spot because someone else RSVPd before you came back, there is nothing I can do. That has already happened quite a few times in different trips I put together and it’s heartbreaking. So please, make sure to pay right way. If you want to RSVP and don’t have the money right now, e mail me, and I may be able to get you in and have you pay me a little later (a little; I have to send them the payment soon to guarantee our spot). I’m tacking the pay pal fee to the price: $8.00, so the total price will be $238.00. 

CLICK HERE TO PAY

Here’s the description and info for the class from their website:

Ice Climbing 101

Try something new. Ice climbing is an amazing winter adventure. If you have ever thought about trying something new, you should try this. 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.

Day 1:
- Detailed orientation of ice climbing and using the equipment:
• crampons
• ice tools
• ice protection

- Try and practice different methods and styles for: Footwork, tool placement, and efficiency.
- Practice, practice, practice

Day 2:
- Go to steeper ice
- Work on efficiency and ice protection.
- Practice, practice, practice

Includes:
• All climbing equipment:
o Harness
o Helmet
o Belay Device
o Boots
o Ice Tools
o Crampons
• All group equipment (ropes, protection, etc.)
• AMGA train and/or certified guide
• All necessary permits

Now, because of the price they are giving us, if someone has an odd shoe size or if we have too many people with the same shoe size, some people MAY have to rent their own shoes. They are about 20 bucks. Last year I think only two people had to do it out of 24 that took the classes, so most people will be OK, but I want to give you the heads up. Still, even if you have to rent your own shoes, you're getting an amazing deal. The sooner I let them know what size shoes we need, the more likely it is that they will be able to find it, so please make sure to answer the shoe size question once you RSVP.

Another possiblity, depending on snowfall is that we might need to bring snowshoes. They have a whole bunch, and many of us have our own. But chances (very slim) are you may have to rent them if you don't own a pair already. I don't think that will be a problem. Last year we didn't need them and even if we had needed them, they had enough. But say we end up with a group of 18 for this one class (last year we had two 12-people classes) and nobody has their own snowshoes, and they get some snowfall a few days before, then you may have to rent them. I think they are 6 bucks. Again, I'm just making sure we're all in the same page so nobody feels misled or under-informed. 

All right, let me know if you have any questions. 

Let's go climb some ice!