Learn To Ice Climb!

 

Ice climbing is a fantastic winter activity. Taking a course is a great way to be safely introduced to climbing waterfall ice. Learn to swing tools and place your crampons. There’s a lot of technique behind making it look graceful.

You’ll have one full day with a guide to learn techniques and become hooked on the beauty of winter. Our guides know the best places where ice forms. We commonly use locations from Squamish to Pemberton. In addition, we are one of the only companies using areas located in the Fraser Valley and Hope.

These areas provide the safest experience with the most reliable ice and short approaches.

 

Itinerary

Courses are 8am - 4pm. Meet your guide in the morning at a location to be determined. Plan to be back at the cars by 4pm. We use locations from Squamish to Pemberton, or near Hope depending on ice conditions.

8am - 4pm

 

Waiver

You are required to read the VMG Waiver and agree to it’s terms and conditions prior to paying or signing. Your guide needs to see the emailed waiver verification before participating.

 

Goals

  • Ice hazards, mitigating risk, avoiding falling ice, where is it safe to stand.

  • Learn about frozen waterfalls, how strong is ice, how does vertical ice form.

  • Winter wise: how to stay warm, dressing for ice climbing, staying warm while you belay.

  • Waterfall ice grades: WI2 - WI6

  • Ice climbing technique:

    • kicking and standing on front points

    • swinging the ice axe

    • squat, stand, swing

  • Climbing lots of ice

Note: Goals are flexible and will be tailored to the season and conditions at the field location.

 

Ratio

6:1  (min 3)

participants : guide

Note: private courses and guided climbs can be organized for 1-2 participants or groups up to 6.

 

Pre-requisites

  • Ability to tie-in with a figure-8.

  • Experience top-rope belaying.

  • Can comfortably climb 5.7 indoors.

  • Hiking 30mins uphill with a backpack.

 

Questions?

 

Fee

$299 +GST (1 day)

 

Dates

Dec 21 Feb 15
Jan 11. Mar 15

 

Equipment

(click here for a full list)

  • Harness

  • Helmet (climbing)

  • Mountaineering boots (welts for ice climbing crampons)

  • Ice crampons

  • Belay device

  • Locking carabiner (pear shape)

  • Headlamp

  • Thermos/Water bottle

  • Backpack w/ice axe holders (40L)

  • Winter clothing (click for list)

Note: VMG supplies, ropes, anchors, ice tools, and can supply crampons. We also have limited sizes of boots to borrow.

 

Gallery

Learn to how to ice climb !

Ice climbing is a great way to get outside and enjoy winter. Learn how to ice climb and learn how to move efficiently with the safety of experienced guides.