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Join Us On 3 Days Ice Climbing Course
This three-day Ice Climbing course introduces students to alpine ice climbing techniques, movement principles, and technical systems on the Coleman Glacier of Mt. Baker. The seracs of the lower Coleman icefall are the perfect training ground for ice climbing, allowing students to climb short pitches of low angle to vertical ice using the safety of a top-rope.
For students who are interested in learning how to lead ice, participate in multi-pitch climbing, or participate in a guided ascent of a technical alpine ice route such as the North Ridge of Mt. Baker, extra days can be added to this course.
Previous top-rope climbing experience is required for this course. This experience can be gained on our introduction to rock climbing trip.
Skills Covered during the Ice Climbing course:
- Selection and care of equipment
- Boot and crampon fitting
- Layering systems
- Rope management
- Mitigating ice and rockfall hazard
- Ice climbing footwork
- Body positioning
- Ice tool pick placement
- Ice anchor building
- Ice quality assessment
- Rappelling
We will have a logistics meeting and gear check at least three days before your trip is scheduled to depart.
Duration
3 Days 2 Nights CampingGear check
RequiredPassport
Not Required for AmericansMinimum Age
13 years oldActivity
Ice climbing and instructionAccommodation
Tents PRICE BASIS
PRICE INCLUDES
- Stoves/Cook Kits
- Tents
- Group climbing equipment
- Guide Services
- Pre-trip Planning/Information session on packing and gear
- Backpacking, mountaineering, and general outdoor safety skills
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Transportation (We will help arrange carpools)
- Parking or entry fees
- Meals/Snacks/Drinks
- Gratuities for Guides
ITINERARY
Day 1 On Ice Climbing Course:
Meet at a convenient Park and Ride in the Seattle Area, or at the Heliotrope Ridge parking area near Mt. Baker. Hike about three miles on the main trail and climber’s trail, gaining 1,800 ft. to reach base camp. Set-up camp. Depending upon the time of arrival in basecamp, we will either practice skills at camp or utilize ice cliffs on the glacier to practice skills. Practice stacking, flipping, flaking, and coiling the rope. Practice belay techniques. Practice building and equalizing anchors and head to bed under the star illuminated face of Mt. Baker.
Day 2 On Ice Climbing Course:
We begin a full day of instruction. Learn how to lace boots for vertical climbing, and fit crampons to boots. Coil the ropes, pack bags, and head to the icefall. If approaching routes from above, we will first practice building top-rope ice anchors and rappelling to the base of our routes. Next we focus on foot angle when using front points, footwork, and body position. We learn how to assess good quality ice in which to place our crampons and ice tool picks. We learn how to swing our ice tools efficiently, and maintain good form while climbing. We top-rope several routes for the remainder of the day. We return to camp for another good night of rest.
Day 3 On Ice Climbing Course:
We return to the ice cliffs for a half-day of instruction. Students place their own top-rope anchors and set-up more challenging climbs. We continue to focus on efficient movement. If desired, students can learn how to place ice screws while climbing, which simulates the transition to lead climbing. We then return to camp, take down our tents, and hike back to the cars en route back home.
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