ADVANCED ICE CLIMBING CLASS OVERVIEW

Looking to begin leading ice climbs and want to get on steeper and longer ice climbs? This ice course is for those who have plenty of previous ice climbing experience and feel they may be ready for the sharp end of the rope and multi pitch ice climbs.. It’s also great for those who have already begun to lead ice climbs but are seeking more professional instruction.

After a quick review of basic ice climbing techniques, You will learn advanced ice climbing techniques with training in placing ice screws and leading ice in a controlled environment. We wrap it up with an instructor-led multi pitch ice climb on one of the spectacular multi pitch climbs in Lee Vining Canyon.

Includes ice climbing training in:

  • Multi-pitch ice climbing

  • Leading ice climbs

  • Intro to mixed climbing

  • Climbing steeper and harder ice climbs

A great follow-up to our intermediate ice climbing course. Let our expert guides take your ice climbing further. This is a front country based course with no camping, but there are local lodging options availabe. Ask us about our lodging packages!

 
 
 

ADVANCED ICE CLIMBING SKILL & EXPERIENCE LEVEL

Previous ice climbing experience is required with the ability to efficiently top rope climb WI4. Previous rock climbing leading exeperience is helpful. You should be in excellent physical physical shape.

Recommended prior trips or courses:

ADVANCED ICE CLIMBING 2024 DATES:

January 24-25
March 16-17

We also offer custom dates!

 

COST: $595

INCLUDES

  • Ice tools, crampons, harness & helmet

  • Private AMGA trained mountain guides at a low 1:4 & 1:2 ratio.

  • Winter boot rentals available at $10 per day

For more info on this trip please fill out the form below:

ADVANCED ICE CLIMBING ITINERARY

Day 1
We meet in the town of June Lake or Lee Vining (TBD) in the Eastern Sierra at 730am. We then drive to nearby trail head and hike an hour into the ice in the Lee Vining Canyon. Depending on conditions, we may go into the June Lake Loop instead. After a quick warm up lap, we get into instruction on leading ice climbs with a review of ice screw placement and then practicing leads with a top rope backup. If conditions allow, we will also introduce some mixed climbing techniques as well.

Day 2
Getting an early start, we will usually go into Lee Vining Canyon today. However, sometimes depending on group strengths and conditions we may go to the June Lake area again. Today is multi pitch day and you will go on a 2-3 pitch guided multi pitch ice climb with instruction along the way. If time allows, we may get in another lap afterwards or continue to practice some of the skills learned the day before . We usually end the day back at the cars around 430pm.

THE INTERNATIONAL ALPINE GUIDES DIFFERENCE

For the past 40 years IAG/ASI team have been guiding in the High Sierra & throughout California, as well as on the great peaks of the world. One of the most experienced and oldest guide services in California, we bring to you the highest standards in the mountain guiding industry. All of our mountain guides operating in technical terrain have training with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) in the terrain they guide. We are also one of the most experienced American mountain guiding companies operating in the Alps of Europe and Latin America. Our extensive worldwide experience, adherence to the highest standards, as well as our easy going guiding philosophy all combine to give you, our valued guests, the best mountain experience possible.

All of our programs are developed and supervised by Internationally licensed IFMGA guide Dave Miller, our founder and technical director. Dave has over 20 years of personal guiding experience in the Sierra Nevada. We know the Sierra!