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Intermediate Alpine Ice - Field Trip 1

Field trip: Intermediate Alpine Ice Module

Intermediate Alpine Ice - Field Trip 1 - Mount Rainier Lower Nisqually Glacier

Intro to alpine ice climbing

Contacts

Aleesha Wilson
Aleesha Wilson
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Basic Glacier Climb, Intermediate Ice Climb
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 5.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
  • 8 (8 capacity)
  • 2 (3 capacity)
  • Wed, Jul 1, 2026 at 7:30 AM
  • Thu, Aug 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

PROGRAM





There is natural progression of things and the focus in this clinic is on the kind of skills you need for alpine ice climbs in the cascades, so working up to leading on low-angle alpine ice and progressing to top-roping vertical or steep ice is the goal for this weekend.


1. Practicing walking in crampons on low-angle ice without rope.
This is where you'll have the chance to make sure your crampons fit well, practice proper French technique, explore the limits of where you feel comfortable without the safety of a rope, both on the way up and on the way down.


2. Practicing screw placements, V-threads, and anchor building.
Next, we'll switch gears to placements. Everyone will build at least two different 2 or 3 point anchors out of a combination of screws and V-threads.


3. Next we’ll set up top ropes to practice ice climbing. There will be multiple top ropes and varying degrees of difficulty, so folks can rotate around as they feel.

          

          

            
            
TBD

          

        

        
          
Badges

          

            

              
students will earn:

              
            

            
          

        
        

          

            
Route/Place

            

              
Mount Rainier Lower Nisqually Glacier

              

              
    
                
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    USGS Mt Rainier East
                      
                  
                    
    Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
                      
                  
                    
    Green Trails Paradise No. 270S
                      
                  
                    
    Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
                      
                
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  • 
                  See full route/place details.
                
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Roster

            

              

            

          

          

            
Required Equipment

            

              
Required Equipment

              
Each student needs to carry a 60m single-rated rope, minimum 3-4 screws (possibly more, up to 5-6 if you have some for comfort), leaning generally on the longer side (16cm+), with at least one 21cm for V/A-threads, and possibly at least a single shorter one (13cm), and everything else you need for an ice climb and overnight stay, including but not limited to the following:


- helmet,


- glacier glasses,
- harness,
- boots,
- two ice tools,


- ice tool lanyard to attach them to your harness (not wrist leashes - we don't use those),
- steel crampons with front points (horizontal are fine),
- ice screws (for number and length, see above),
- alpine draws to match all the screws,


- A V-thread tool and plenty of 6-7mm cordage for A-threads (plan on making at least 3-4 of those, possibly more),


- lockers, nonlockers, extra slings, etc. as needed,
- belay device (ATC guide or similar),


- cordelette,


- layers, food, essentials, etc. for approach and a full day on the ice.



            

          

          

            
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