Introduction to Water Ice Climbing Course

Explore the world of water ice climbing! This is a single-pitch course that will cover the techniques needed for safe and effective movement on vertical ice.  Students will also learn foundational skills important for leading water ice in the future (e.g.,  building anchors, v-threads, and mock leading). By the end of this course, students will successfully demonstrate excellent technique for climbing in the water ice environment (typically climbing WI4 on top rope).

Please send a climbing resume and letter of intent outlining 1) how you meet the prerequisites and 2) a description of why you are interested in water ice. Deadline for application is September 1, 2017.  Send to ice.climbing.mtn@gmail.com.

Limited to 8 students. Participants will be chosen based on experience and desire to learn. Preference will be given to graduates of the Mountaineers Intermediate Alpine Ice Module, however, non-members meeting the prerequisites are also welcome.  Notifications of acceptance will be sent by September 15.

Prerequisites:  

• AIARE 1 avalanche certification or equivalent
• experience leading on multi-pitch rock climbs of 5.6 or harder
• lead belay experience
• basic group and self rescue skills  
• Alpine Ice Course or equivalent skills
• ability to evaluate alpine ice/ snow conditions, and adapt terrain travel choices appropriately
• move efficiently and confidently on alpine ice/ snow, including ascending/descending moderate angle (30-60 degrees) ice/snow
• place effective protection in alpine ice/ snow environments, and build anchors
• various ice axe techniques including high dagger, low dagger etc.
• Ability to lead on alpine ice (typically AI2-3)

Base Course fee:  $100*

* Please note, course fee does not include required gear purchases and travel expenses.  Students will pay for the two out of state field trips separately.  

In order to graduate, students must attend both out of state field trips.

Ouray fee = $250

Canmore fee = $350

*Student’s gear, travel, and lodging expenses are not included in out of state field trip fees.

2017/18 Dates:

Evenings at the Seattle Mountaineers Program Center

October 11, 2017; 6:30 - 9:30 PM Meet and greet / Skill night 1

October 18, 2017; 6:30 - 9:30 PM Skill night 2

October 25, 2017; 6:30 - 9:30 PM Skill night 3

Students required to attend all 3 Skill Nights

(FT Leaders = Ronnie Parker and Anita Cech)

(4 Leaders, 8 students)

Weekend seminar at the Mount Baker Coleman Seracs

October 28 - 29, 2017

(FT Leaders = Ronnie Parker and Anita Cech)

(4 leaders, 8 students)

(Not included in this course but strongly encouraged: Bozeman Ice Festival, December 6-10, 2017)

2 days of instruction in Ouray, CO (students expected to stay and climb on their own for longer)

January 2018 TBD

(FT Leaders = TBD)

(4 leaders, 8 students)

3 days of instruction in Canmore, B.C. (students encouraged to stay and climb on their own or hire a guide)

Feb 17, 18, and 19, 2018

(FT Leaders = Stef Schiller, Ronnie Parker and Anita Cech)

(4 leaders, 8 students)