Intro to Ice Climbing

Learn how to ice climb

Intro to Ice Climbing

Learn how to ice climb

Develop safe practices and foundational skills for ice climbing

Experience hands-on learning at some of the Bow Valley's most popular ice climbing crags

Immerse yourself in a supportive learning environment

Learn ice climbing skills with world class specialists

Trip Description

This beginner-friendly course is the perfect introduction for those looking into getting into the exhilarating world of ice climbing. Starting with the basics, the course’s itinerary great for any summer climber interested in moving beyond the gym this winter.

An ACMG certified instructor will deliver two days of personalized instruction and hands-on coaching at a minimum participant to guide ratio of 6:1. You’ll begin with the fundamentals, learning how to place ice screws, handle ice tools, and use crampons—all with a strong emphasis on safety and hazard assessment.

Aside from expert instruction, you’ll receive a copy of the ACC Ice Climbing Leader Handbook, a great resource to refer to as you gain confidence and experience throughout the rest of the season. All group gear, including first aid kits and all emergency equipment will also be provided.

Itinerary

Core skills you can expect to develop on this camp include:
  • Selection and use of ice climbing equipment such as crampons and tools
  • Introduction to effective ice climbing clothing and layering systems
  • Efficient ice movement technique
  • Ice screw placements and stances
  • Hazard awareness and route selection
  • Ice anchors
  • V-threads
  • Trip preparation and planning
  • Climbing objectives


Canmore is a world-class destination for ice climbing. Depending on what forms, regions that you may have a chance to sample include:

  • King Creek
  • Wedge Smear
  • Evan Thomas Creek
  • Haffner Creek
  • Bear Spirit
  • Johnston Canyon
  • Junkyards (Grassi Lake)
Day One
Meet the group at a central cafe in Canmore, Alberta, at 7:00 am (MST). We'll then carpool to an agreed upon ice climbing crag, and begin the course there. The course will start by reviewing basic skills such as belaying and fitting crampons. Then, we'll swiftly move on to other course learning objectives, starting with skills like efficient ice movement, screw placements and hazard awareness.
Day Two
We'll start the day at the same time and place as the day prior. Once on the ice, we'll step up the intensity of the learning and physical challenge with an option to try slightly steeper lines. The more advanced learning objectives will also be covered including skills like: resting positions, V-threads and trip planning.

Location

Early Season, World-Class Ice

The Bow Valley is lucky to be home to some of the best and most reliable ice climbing in the world, making it the perfect place to host this camp. Early winter in the valley also compliments the course by keeping a relatively low avalanche hazard, allowing you to focus on building your skills for the season.

Guides & Staff

We are thrilled to be having mixed and ice climbing specialist, Kris Irwin, join us as our lead guide for this course. Kris is a certified ACMG/IFMGA alpine, rock, ice, and snow guide with extensive experience in introducing beginners to the world of ice climbing.
kris-irwin
Kris Irwin
Kris is an ACMG Alpine Guide and lives in Banff with his wife Ellen and their daughters Aria and Annie....
kris-irwin
Kris Irwin
Kris is an ACMG Alpine Guide and lives in Banff with his wife...
Learn More

We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips

Open

Details

* Camps are subject to minimum enrollment in order to run.

Adventure Hazards

Terrain

Terrain is uncontrolled, unmarked and not inspected, risks include but are not limited to: Cornices, Crevasses, Cliffs, Trees, tree wells, forest dead fall, and tree stumps, Creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Variable and difficult walking terrain. Snowcat roads and road banks, fences and other man-made structures. Snow immersion. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Extreme variation in trails or terrain. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control, slips, trips, and falls. Becoming lost or separated from the group.

General Hazards

Risks include but are not limited to: ​Slips, trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligent first aid. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligence of the guide including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities. Changing weather conditions including but not limited to high winds, lightning, forest fires, effects of high altitude including pulmonary edema and cerebral edema, incomplete warnings or instructions, negligence of other people, including trip coordinator and other guests. Negligence includes failure on the part of ACC Guides (if applicable) to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from or warn you of the risks, dangers and hazards of wilderness activities.

Avalanche

Risks include but are not limited to:Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering. Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding). Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.

Rockfall and Icefall

Risks include but are not limited to:Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking) 

Falls and Belaying

Risks include but are not limited to:Mountaineering and ice climbing present the risk of falling from the wall causing the climber to collide with the wall or ground which can lead to injury or death. The risk of a belay failure is also present which can contribute to a ground fall.  Equipment failure, including equipment associated with climbing, rappelling and belaying

Communication and Rescue

Risks include but are not limited to:Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.

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