Introduction to Ice Climbing Course

This course with Golden Mountain Guides is currently waitlisted. If three more people sign up with GMG (not this meetup) they will bring on another instructor and run a second group.
Cost for the course is $269

Please register with Golden Mountain Guides at this link before signing up here.

Our Introduction to Ice Climbing courses are designed for beginners and focus on building a foundation that makes ice climbing fun and rewarding. An entire day of hands on practice swinging ice tools, kicking steps, and enjoying climbing on an incredible medium is what ice climbing is all about. This is an excellent introduction to ice climbing and by the end of the course, your confidence while swinging ice tools and dancing up frozen waterfalls will be at an all time high.
Ice climbing has changed dramatically over the past decade and we want to show you why it’s so fun! Modern equipment such as vertical point crampons and curved shaft ice tools help make this one of the most enjoyable winter activities around. Learn about the necessary equipment needed for ice climbing, why it has changed over the years, and how it influences the techniques we use to climb all different types of ice. Our professional guides love to teach and provide personalized feedback throughout to ensure you get the most out of the course.
Our Introduction to Ice Climbing courses are held all over the Front Range of Colorado and the Anchorage, Alaska area. We can help you achieve your winter goals, whether it’s climbing steep waterfall ice, or training for bigger alpine and mixed routes.
Over the course of the day, you’ll learn the basics of ice climbing movement, knots and belaying, equipment, and much more. Plus, you will have tons of time to climb and truly experience what ice climbing is all about.
Prerequisites:
This course is designed for beginner climbers. Some rock climbing experience with belaying and knot tying may be helpful, but not required. Participants should be able to provide adequate self care while in cold environments and be willing to step outside their comfort zone and try something new.

Highlights

• Learn from a pro! Our guides/instructors have undergone rigorous training and certification to be able to teach you
• See what ice climbing is all about
• Learn all about ice climbing equipment and why we use such specialized gear
• Lots of hands on experience in a fun and relaxed learning environment

Price Includes
Includes:

• A professionally trained and/or certified AMGA guide or instructor
• All necessary climbing equipment including harness, helmet, crampons, mountaineering boots, ice tools, belay devices, and other group gear
• Professional guiding and personalized instruction throughout the entire course
• Resources to further your ice climbing journey

Excludes:

• Transportation. You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from a designated meeting area
• Gratuity
• Personal items such as food, clothing, backpack, etc.
• Entrance fees and parking fees (where necessary)

Topics Covered

• Overview of ice climbing equipment and how to properly use it
• Overview of winter layering for ice climbing
• Climbing knots, belaying, and lowering
• How to swing an ice tool efficiently
• How to kick into the ice using crampons
• Body positioning and different techniques for ice climbing
• How to read the ice as you’re climbing
• Introduction to hazard assessment and risk management while ice climbing