Introduction to Ice Climbing: Beginner

Ice Climbing Experience

The Ice Climbing Experience programs are designed to introduce the sport of ice climbing. The Ice Climbing experience will get people off swinging and introduced to the world of ice with a safety oriented approach; the guides will begin with the basics. This program is an excellent way to enjoy the winter environment, great for families and kids ages 14+ and groups of friends.

The AAA guides can accommodate groups of up to 8 per guide for this program.

Topics Covered:

Site safety and awareness

• Walking with crampons
• Belaying top rope and lead climbers
• Swinging the tools
• Body positioning and movement skills

As the day progresses and time allows you may be introduced to:

• Steeper ice techniques, front point techniques
• placing ice screws
• building anchors and v-thread
• mock leads and repelling

Different venues will be used depending on the group logistics, which may include:

• Kings creek in K-country
• The Junkyards in Canmore
• Bear Spirit near Banff
• Johnston Canyon near Banff
• Haffner creek Kooteney NP

Multi-pitch climbing is a great next step if you enjoy ice climbing, see details here

All gear is included in the cost, you will receive a logistics email from the office 3 days prior to the course. This is a full day program, the group will meet at 08:00 and you can expect to be finished around 4:00.

All guides are ACMG and or IFMGA and Canadian Avalanche Association certified.