CONTACT:
info@cdnalpine.com
Box
40087
Canmore, AB
T1W 3H9
[About our Guides]
[Prices & Booking]
Ice Week Blog postings:
Dec 2012 |
The ultimate course for those who are psyched to become skilled
& safe ice climbers! The week will be led by CRAG's head guide
J. Mills, who has over a decade of experience teaching ice climbing and
is one of Canada's top ice climbers. (more...)
Very small group sizes (max 4) allow for instruction that matches your
skill and ambition level and provides a highly enjoyable week for all.
Winter 2020/21 Dates: - Remaining courses are full for this winter.
Winter 2021/22 Dates: - Dec 13-17th, 2021
- Jan 24-28th, 2022
Cost: $1195 + GST
Maximum Group Size: 4
Meeting Spot & Time: 7:30am in Canmore (details will be sent out to all participants well in advance)
Custom Dates: Available December - Early April for groups of 1 to 6. Inquire for pricing.
To Register:
- Please e-mail
us for a registration package. A non-refundable deposit of $350 is required to book your spot on this course, with the
remainder due 4 weeks prior to the start date.
- Please send us
an e-mail (info@cdnalpine.com)
and we will provide you with an electronic invoice for the deposit or
total amount (let us know which you would prefer).
Payment can be made by credit card, e-transfer, cheque, or PayPal.
Prerequisites:
At least a few days of previous ice climbing experience, preferably up
to WI4, and basic climbing skills such as belaying & rappelling. Those with less ice experience but lots of enthusiasm can take our Intermediate Ice Course and/or arrange a couple of custom days prior to the course to get up to speed. If you are unsure
about your readiness for this course, please just send us an e-mail and we can help you decide.
Agenda
Due to variable ice conditions, weather, and partipants desires, it is
impossible to provide an exact agenda. However, the week will likely
look something like this and will be sure to include as much climbing
as you can handle!
Day
1 - We will start with a full day of climbing at one of the local single pitch crags. This allows us to focus on movement techniques and start learning some new skills while getting to know each other!
Day
2 - Mixed climbing day! We will spend the day at a drytooling crag with lots of routes of varying difficulties. Mixed climbing is a fun part of the sport and is an excellent way to improve many of your ice climbing skills such as swapping hands on the axes, relaxing your grip, precision footwork, balance, and much more. Most participants notice a significant increase in their ice climbing techniques after this day! There will also be the opportunity to do some leading for anyone who is feeling ready.
Day
3 - Lead climbing skills! We
will head to a different single pitch area and spend the day learning and practicing lead climbing skills! Initially there are a number of drills we will do on top-rope in order to safely practice the skills required for leading. Deciding to lead is a personal
decision and you will not be pressured to do anything you are uncomfortable with. However, if you are keen to lead and are looking solid we will get you leading as soon as you are ready! Practicing the lead climbing skills will also make you more efficient at top-roping and following on ice.
Day
4 - Multipitch climbing skills! As we climb all day we will work on anchor building, belaying from above, multipitch rapelling, rope handling, half rope techniques,
and other skills for multipitch ice climbing. Those who are ready to do some leading will have more opportunities to do so, and those who don't will still have lots of turns to take charge with the
other skills.
Day
5 - Steep ice & mixed
climbing! For our final day, everyone will have the chance to push
their technical abilities on a number of steep ice and mixed climbs at
yet another world class ice climbing venue! This will also be your
chance to review the other skills learned throughout the week and to
climb until you can no longer lift your ice axes!
Gear List
Group gear such as ropes, ice tools, and carabiners will be provided by
Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides. You can either bring your own personal
gear or borrow most items from us at no charge. Please just let us know
if you would like to borrow anything for the course. Ice Climbing Boots
and clothing are not available for loan and must be rented or
purchased. Rental and purchase information can
be found here.
- Ice Climbing
Boots
- Small Pack
(about 30 litres)
- Crampons - available
for loan
- Harness - available
for loan
- Helmet - available
for loan
- Sweater/Fleece
- Winter Jacket or
Goretex/Softshell Jacket
- Winter Pants or
Goretex/Softshell Pants
- Long Underwear
- Gloves (2 pairs)
- Toque
- Down Jacket if
you have one!
- Water
Bottle/Thermos
- Lunches
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