Class Descriptions

Climbers will learn the basics of top rope climbing as it applies to the ice climbing arena. These include learning how to put on and wear a harness and helmet, how to tie in to the rope, how to belay (hold the rope while another climbs), how to rappel (descend via the rope), and how and when to use the appropriate climbing commands. Various techniques and ideas on how to climb on the ice will be covered as well. These include: proper clothing selection, basic techniques for walking in the snow and on ice, crampon use and adjustment, proper use of one's helmet, and how to properly swing an ice tool.

Climbers will solidify the basic techniques of top rope climbing and move on to basic top rope anchor construction - bolted anchors, natural anchors (trees and rock features), and anchors that require ice screws. Other areas covered: how to place an ice screw, knots that are used to tie webbing and cordage together, anchor equalization techniques, and how to back up a rappel.

Climbers who wish to learn to lead climb on ice must possess and excellent understanding of top rope ice climbing. Climbers will learn the basic concepts of lead climbing and lead belaying in a mock-lead (leader on top rope) scenario. Some of the areas covered include: where to belay from, how to lead belay, catching falls, how to rack efficiently, how to place a screw on lead, how to clip the rope, when to clip the rope, and how to fall. Mental strategies for the lead ice climber will also be covered.

Climbers interested in a self rescue class should possess an excellent understanding of at least top rope climbing and be comfortable constructing solid top rope anchors out of ice screws. This class covers how to escape a belay, how to ascend a rope with webbing and cordage, and how to construct basic pulley systems.

Climbers interested in a mixed climbing class should already possess a good working knowledge of ice climbing and hopefully have logged at least a season of ice climbing in order to gain some dexterity with the tools and crampons. Areas covered include: how to place tools on rock in a variety of ways, how to test these placements, how to use crampons and rock (including heel hooks), how to sharpen your tools for success, and how to fall with crampons on and with tools in your hands.