Ice In Depth: 3 Days
If you are looking to get into the sport of ice climbing, this course is for you! Throughout our three days together we will introduce you to ice climbing techniques, belaying, and communication. Day two will be spent discussing the more technical and finer points of the sport such as anchor construction, types of gear, how to follow a leader, rappelling and much more. By day three you will be in great shape to follow an NEM guide on a multi-pitch climb that is catered to your comfort and skill level. This course differs from the two-day accelerated program by adding the extra day to teach you the fundamentals of climbing. You will get more out of this course and it will give you a good starting point to being able to top-rope ice climb on your own. No prior experience is required.
IMPORTANT BETA
CLIMB DETAILS
Length: 3 Days
Guide-to-Client Ratio: 1:2
Difficulty: You Choose!
When: January - April as Conditions Permit
Type: Ice Climbing
Type: Experiential
Note: For climbs in Huntington Ravine or Cannon Cliff, we require that you have climbed with us in the past and are proficient at following WI4.
Pricing
1 person: $950 per person
2 people: $750 per person
RENTAL GEAR
Most of the required equipment [listed below] is available for rent from our affiliate mtnGEAR. NEM climbers will receive an exclusive discount of 20% discount on all rental equipment and clothing.
BE INFORMED. BE PREPARED.
Itinerary
One Day Ice Climbing
- Meet at The Bunkhouse at 8am
- 8-9am: Check in and gear check
- 10am-3pm: Climbing at local crag
- 4pm: Departure
Skills Taught
This adventure is about climbing and that is what we will do. Along the way, we will help brush up on skills and coach you toward more effective and efficient climbing practices.
- Ice Climbing Equipment, Techniques & Etiquette for Single & Multi-pitch climbs
- Sound Body Movements and Posture
- Proper techniques for swinging and utilizing ice tools
- Proper belaying techniques for top rope sites and following a leader
- Ice protection and cleaning to follow
What To Wear
PLEASE BRING THESE ITEMS WITH YOU FROM HOME
When selecting clothing for your adventure, think layers. Choose synthetic materials, wool, or fleece.
The saying is "Cotton Kills." It will absorb sweat and then freeze - increasing the chances of hypothermia.
Please Bring the Following Items. |
Guides Pick |
[ ] Base Layer Top and Bottom: Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top will be used as your base layer. Zip-neck styles will allow for better temperature regulation. | Smartwool Men's NTS Mid 250 Top Smartwool Men's NTS Mid 250 Bottom Smartwool Women's NTS Mid 250 Top Smartwool Women's NTS Mid 250 Bottom |
[ ] Socks Wool or Synthetic | Darn Tough |
Snow pants will suffice instead of soft shell climbing pants and if you have insulating layers and jackets we recommend that you bring them. There will be time to sort through what you should bring and what you leave behind.
Mandatory Gear List
RENTALS AVAILABLE AT CLIMBINGRENTALS.COM
Most of the required equipment [listed below] is available for rent from our affiliate mtnGEAR.
NEM climbers will receive an exclusive discount of 20% discount on all rental equipment and clothing.
Mandatory Items |
Guides Pick |
[ ] Pack with Waist Strap: A 30-40L pack is the recommended size for one day climbs. Your pack MUST have a waist strap. A backpack will not suffice. | Hyperlite Mt Gear - 2400 Ice Pack |
[ ] Crampons: 10-12 point adjustable crampons designed for ice climbing | Black Diamond Cyborg |
[ ] Ice Axes: Provided by NEM | Camp Cassin X All Mountain |
[ ] Helmet: A lightweight climbing helmet. | Petzl Sirocco |
[ ] Harness | Petzl Sitta |
[ ] Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic. It should be warm and thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet. | OR Gradient Hat |
[ ] Buff/Neck Gaiter: Buff makes the best option. | Buff Merino Wool |
[ ] Ball Hat/Sun Hat: Optional. A lightweight ball cap or sun hat. | |
[ ] Sun Glasses: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses. | Julbo Tamang |
[ ] Lightweight glove: One pair of fleece gloves. | OR Sensor OR Catalyzer [W] |
[ ] Medium Weight Glove: Wind/water resistant insulated mountain gloves. | OR Ambit OR Ambit [W] |
[ ] Heavy Insulated Mitten: Wind/water resistant, insulated mittens for protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove. | OR High Camp OR Highcamp [W] |
[ ] Light Insulating Layer/Soft Shell Top: A fleece or other insulation layer. | Arcteryx Gamma MX Hoody Arcteryx Gamma MX Hoody [W] |
[ ]Hard Shell Jacket with Hood: Wind/rain Proof. Gore-Tex recommended. | Arcteryx Beta LT Arcteryx Beta SL [W] |
[ ] Insulated Parka: This item becomes of highest importance when we are faced with poor weather. This should be an expeditionary-type heavy parka that extends well below the waist and above the knees. Goose down is recommended versus synthetic fill. It does not have to be waterproof, but that is a nice feature. The parka is worn primarily at rest breaks on summit day and as an emergency garment if needed. When sizing a parka, allow for several layers to be worn underneath; buy it large. The parka must have an insulated hood. | OR Incandescent Arcteryx Cerium LT [W] |
[ ] Climbing Pants: Synthetic climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them alone on hot days, or in combination with the base layer on cold days. The thickness (insulation quality) should be based on how well you do in the cold. For most of our adventures snow pants will suffice. | Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Arcteryx Gamma AR [W] |
[ ] Hard Shell Pants: A pant made of breathable rain and wind-proof material will be needed. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons in cold, inclement weather. | Marmot Precip Full Zip Marmot Precip Full Zip [W] |
[ ] Mountaineering Boots: Insulated plastic boots are the preferred choice for winter mountaineering. They provide the best insulation as well as a more rigid sole for kicking steps and holding crampons. Leather mountaineering boots that have completely rigid soles are also adequate, but they will need to be insulated and may still result in cold feet above treeline. Lightweight hiking boots without insulation are not acceptable as they don’t work well with crampons, or in very cold or wet weather. Winter boots are not acceptable unless they adequately hold a crampon. Check out A Guides View: Selecting Mountaineering Boots. | La Sportiva Batura Lowa Weisshorn GTX [W] |
[ ] Gaiters: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampons on loose clothing. | OR Crocodiles OR Crocodiles [W] |
[ ] Headlamp: | Petzl Reactik |
Nutrition & Hydration
Nutrition
It is important to continuously take in calories throughout the day. Every break you should eat a snack during the short 10 to 15 minute rest. Food is the wood to your fire and to keep it stoked it needs constant replenishing. Do not plan on cooking or preparing your snacks in the field. All food should be prepared and packed ready for immediate consumption.
We suggest crackers, pizza, candy bars, jerky, chips, cookies, trail mix, fruits, Gu, energy bars, and hard candies. Add peanut butter, cream cheese, hard cheese, or pepperoni for additional calories and taste. If you enjoy bread items, bagels work well. Include some salty snacks to replenish lost salts.
Hydration
To help prevent cramping and heat related injuries, you will need at least 2 liters of water per day. Water is preferred, but other liquids such as gatorade help replace electrolytes and work well, too! Hydration bladders do not work as they freeze during the winter months. Please leave these at home. Instead, bring 32oz. Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles and insulating parkas if you have them. If not, you can use a sock to insulate each water bottle.
FAQ's
Do I need any prior experience?
No, but it helps to have at least one day under your belt.
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?
We usually will go out in the rain and snow. Lightning will reschedule or end our course. Please plan for all weather conditions. We may just alter the plan based on the weather forecast.
Am I supposed to tip my guide(s)?
Tips are never expected, however if you think your guide did a great job, tips are welcomed and appreciated. A normal tip is 20% of the guide fees or $20 per guide per day.
Can I rent the gear that I do not own?
Most of the required equipment is available for rent from our affiliate mtnGEAR. NEM climbers will receive an exclusive discount of 20% discount on all rental equipment and clothing.
What are 'Mountaineering Boots'?
These are boots that are designed specifically for snow and very cold weather and are crampon compatible. They are often composed of an internal insulating boot and an exterior plastic or leather boot. Hiking boots and winter snow boots are not suitable for ice climbing.
Where should I stay?
We recommend The Bunkhouse at Northeast Mountaineering. For your convenience, we offer co-ed, hostel-style accommodations on site. The cost is $45 per person. To maximize your climbing experience, we recommend that you stay in the area the night before your climb.
How do I find out when and where to meet?
Upon completion of your registration you will get a confirmation email with a link to all the pertinent information. You will be asked to secure your rental equipment and read through the welcome information to be prepared and on time for your course.
Not Ready? Try your hand on Introduction to Ice Climbing. Still not sure? Contact Us for a recommendation.
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