Advanced Ice Climbing Seminar

Our 4 day Advanced Ice Climbing Seminar is intended for those who have already completed our basic and intermediate progression, or those who have previous ice climbing experience. The goal of this course is to help you attain proficiency as an ice leader and multi-pitch climber. Course topics will include a thorough review of ice screw placement and protection, avalanche awareness, steep ice technique, and more. This course is conducted in both the Ouray and Silverton areas and we will plan to spend atleast 2 days in the backcountry climbing multi-pitch routes in the WI 4 range of difficulty. Specific focus will be placed on leading strategies and mult-pitch tactics in order for you to gain confidence and competence as an aspiring ice leader. We also instruct you on a number of "mock leads" so that your guide can comprehensively assess your leading style, screw placements, and ice climbing technique. Finally, we cover self-rescue techniques and avalanche awareness for climbers.

We maintain a low 2:1 client-to-guide ratio for the duration of this course to make certain that you receive the maximum amount of personalized attention and instruction on the topics we cover. Our goal is to make sure you finish the course with a realistic approach to leading ice climbs in either the San Juans or other areas throughout the country.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Skills and technique review in the Ouray Ice Park. We begin by climbing routes in the WI 4 range. Your guide will assess your technique and work with you to fine tune your approach to climbing steep ice. Self rescue techniques will also be covered and practiced.

Day 2: Lead climbing skills and mock leads in the Ouray area. The focus of this day will be to prepare ourselves for the upcoming multi-pitch climbs on days 3 - 4. Specific focus will be placed on screw placement and retrieval, multi-pitch systems and transitions, and gear selection.

Day 3: Multi-pitch route in Ouray or Silverton. Our goal today will be to climb a multi-pitch route in the WI 4 range of difficulty. Along the way we will further discuss and demonstrate tactics for competently climbing routes of this nature.

Day 4: Multi-pitch route in Ouray or Silverton. We'll attempt another route and further our knowledge and understanding of the mult-disciplinary demands of multi-pitch ice climbing.

Addtional Information

Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified or Trained guide, group climbing equipment (ropes etc.). Harness, helmet, and belay/rappel device. Ice tools, crampons and ice climbing boots are available to rent.

Not Included: Hotel costs before, during or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing clothing, camping equipment, or gratuities.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Multi-Day Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration link to access the required forms.