INTRODUCTION TO ICE CLIMBING CLASS OVERVIEW

Looking to try the very different world of ice climbing? Then our Intro to ice climbing class is for you! Conducted near the Eastern Sierra towns of Lee Vining and June Lake, this is a fun two-day ice climbing course training you in the basics of technical ice climbing skills. You will learn a full spectrum of ice climbing techniques with instruction in proper crampon techniques, ice climbing equipment selections, tool placements, movement on ice, basic protection placement, and basic anchor systems…plus plenty of time climbing on the ice.

For those with goals of climbing bigger mountains, there’s no better way to hone your mountaineering skills. Learn from our expert ice climbing guides how to use crampons and ice tools on steep ice. Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls is great training for alpine climbing on peaks around the world.

This class includes ice climbing training in:

  • Ice climbing gear selection

  • Rope management & belaying

  • Basic ice climbing movement on frozen waterfalls

  • Crampon front point technique & use of ice tools

We will provide everything you need such as ice climbing boots, ice tools, crampons, a harness, a helmet, and all other technical gear at no extra cost. We don’t nickel & dime you with extra costs.

Our expert AMGA trained ice climbing guides will give you a great introduction to climbing frozen waterfalls. So if you are just wanting to give ice climbing a try or have bigger climbing goals in mind, this is a complete introduction to the world of water ice climbing. We keep our group sizes small to avoid overcrowding on the ice and to ensure you get a personalized experience. Our scheduled courses will not have more than four total participants with one guide.

This is a front country based ice course with no camping involved. However, there are local lodging options available.

Already have some ice climbing experience? Check out our Intermediate/Advanced Ice Climbing Course.

“Hey I wanted to say what a great experience I had ice climbing with Doug. He really is the salt of the earth and one of the best guides I have had the pleasure to share a rope with!” ”
— Shawn C.
 
 
 

EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

  • No previous climbing or mountaineering experience required.

  • Previous off-trail hiking experience required.

  • Very good to excellent physical condition required.

  • You must be able to hike or snowshoe up steep terrain for an hour to reach the ice flows.

Please feel free to contact us for any training recommendations.

Curious how to rate your physical ability? Check out our Physical Ability Page

ICE CLIMBING WINTER 2023/2024 DATES

December 23-24
January 1-2
January 6-7
January 10-11 (midweek)
January 13-14
January 27-28
January 30-31 (midweek)
February 3-4
February14-15 (midweek)
February 24-25
March 9-10

Custom ice climbing dates available from mid December through mid March

COST:
$495 (weekends)
$400 (Tues - Friday midweek special!)

We include all technical gear at no extra cost!

INCLUDES

  • Professional AMGA trained or certified mountain guides

  • Ice tools, crampons, harness & helmet

  • Winter boot rentals available at $10 per day

 

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

INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING ITINERARY

Day 1
We meet in the town of June Lake in the Eastern Sierra at 7:30 am. We then drive to a nearby trailhead and hike an hour into the ice in the June Lake Loop (This can be strenuous). Depending on conditions, we may go into Lee Vining instead. The day is spent learning about ice climbing gear, basic ice climbing techniques, and getting in some top rope laps on easier low-angle ice climbs. We will arrive back at the cars usually around 4:30 - 5 pm. Lodging is on your own tonight, but we can recommend hotels in the June Lake area.

Day 2
Getting an early start, we will usually go into Lee Vining Canyon today. However, depending on group strengths and conditions we may go back to the June Lake area again. We spend the day getting in more laps on the ice and refining techniques learned on day one. We usually end the day back at the cars around 4:30 pm.