This ice climbing course really gets down to business! The aim of the course is for you to be able to plan ice routes independently – taking safety considerations and feasibility into account – and to lead climb them. To this end, we will cover every aspect necessary for a safe and successful climb.

In a small group, we will spend a week exploring and climbing fantastic ice falls in a stunning alpine setting.

Procedure:

The course begins with a refresher on the basics of ice climbing. Over the course of the week, the focus will then be on continuously improving your personal skills and range of movements, as well as optimising your strategic approach to ice climbing. We will also cover risk assessment and how to evaluate ice quality and avalanche risk. Where possible, we will tackle long multi-pitch routes of varying difficulty. In the evenings, the programme covers topics such as route planning, optimising your kit, various safety aspects, coping with the cold and various emergency scenarios.

The course covers the following:

• Ice climbing basics: update on partner belaying in an icefall, equipment, gear organisation
• Improving your movement techniques in ice climbing
• Efficient ice tool handling, rest positions, body centre of gravity, kicking techniques
• Tactical tricks
• Know-how multi-pitch routes, handling of double ropes using half-rope- and twin-rope-climbing-techniques
• Belay anchor systems in an icefall
• Climbing in swaping teams of 2 and 3
• Various options for retreating from multi-pitch routes
• Equipment tuning tips

This course is for climbers who have already gained experience on a beginner’s ice climbing course or have equivalent knowledge. Experience of lead climbing on ice is an advantage, but not essential. However, your aim on this course should be to lead climb ice falls independently.

Required climbing level:

This course is for climbers with an ice climbing level of grade 4 (WI), whether leading or following.

Necessary know-how:

• Participants must have a solid belay proficiency with Tuber and munter hitch
• Solid experience in using ice tools and crampons
• Independent rappelling
• No fear of heights and surefootedness

Costs for a 8-day course:

890 €/person

Number of participants: min. 2 persons, max. 3 persons

Costs include:

• All training services
• Current presentation “ICE AGE – Ice climbing in the far north”
• Emergency equipment such as a Garmin satellite messenger (Iridium network) and a first-aid kit
• Accommodation and meal expenses of the trainer

Costs not included:

• Your travel expenses to the course location (including collection of trainer from arranged meeting point)
• Your accommodation & meals

Location:

Depending on your preferences and ice conditions: Tyrol, Austria, or Dolomites, Italy.

Accommodation:

Local guesthouse.

Gear:

• You will need your complete climbing equipment for ice climbing.
• Clothing for winter conditions.
• I will send you a detailed equipment list after booking.

Weather:

If weather conditions are not suitable to create a good learning environment and get the best out of the course, we arrange to postpone the course to another time.

Do you have any questions about this course:

Please call or drop me a message.