Steep Ice Climbing Clinic

An ice climber in a red jacket is climbing past an overhanging roof of ice. His crampons are kicked into the pillar below the roof and he is swinging his ice tool into the ice above the curtain.

This 2-day Steep Ice Climbing clinic is designed for ice climbers with previous experience who want to hone their efficiency and movement skills on steeper routes. Our expert ice climbing instructors will target and train specific areas for individual improvement. Over the course of this clinic you will learn:

  • Review of foundational ice climbing techniques

  • Body positioning for steeper and three dimensional ice routes

  • Creative resting and recovery strategies

Day 1: We will focus on assessment of your skills, identifying and prioritizing areas for improvement. We will model proper techniques and demonstrate unique drills to address your individual needs.

Day 2: Continued application and honing of steep ice climbing strategies. We seek out a variety of terrain that challenges you and with individualized and precision based instruction you can be successful. At the end of the day we provide you with recommendations for continued technique development.

An ice climber in a yellow jacket is climbing a narrow pillar of ice. His leg is wrapped around the pillar and he is swinging his ice tool above him.

January 4 - 5, 2025
January 11 - 12, 2025
January 25 - 26, 2025
February 22 - 23, 2025

Prior ice climbing experience is required. Climbers should be able to comfortably top-rope pitches up to WI4- in difficulty.

Montrose Regional Airport is 45 minutes from Ouray. There is NO rideshare service, you may book a shuttle service or rent a vehicle with AWD/4WD (for winter driving).

There are plentiful hotels in downtown Ouray, conveniently located in walking distance to restaurants and the town hot springs for an aprés-climb relaxation.

Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. Skyward Mountaineering may assist in supplying technical equipment with advanced notice. See recommended equipment list below:

    • Underwear: Should be comfortable for a full day of activity, synthetic or merino wool will wick moisture away from the body

    • Heavyweight socks: Over-the-calf winter weight for superior warmth. Layering two pairs of socks is not recommended as it may impede blood flow and make your toes colder

    • Warm hat: Should be thin enough to fit under your helmet

    • Neck gaiter: Optional, lightweight and versatile for adding warmth around ears or covering your face in windy conditions

    • Softshell climbing gloves: Waterproof with high dexterity. 2 pairs recommended, one midweight and one heavyweight. Guide’s midweight recommendation - Showa Temres 282-02 (size up one from normal)

    • Mixed climbing gloves: Optional, these highly dexterous gloves have minimal insulation and are best for warmer days, lead climbing or mixed climbing

    • Midweight top baselayer: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away. Thumb loops are recommended to keep your wrists from being exposed and your hands warmer

    • Heavyweight bottom baselayer

    • Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection

    • Active insulation jacket: Ideal balance of breathability and warmth for winter aerobic activity

    • Midweight vest: Optional, adds warmth to your core without restricting movement

    • Softshell jacket: Midweight with a helmet compatible hood. Should have Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating

    • Softshell pants: Midweight with reinforced instep.  Avoid ski pants as they are often too baggy and likely to catch on your crampons

    • Insulated parka: Down is lighter/more compressible and a hydrophobic treated down will insulate even when wet. Should have at least 200 grams of 800 fill insulation

    • Climbing backpack: Approximately 30 liters with ice tool attachments

    • Mountaineering boots: Must be rigid with toe and heel welts for full crampon compatibility

    • Vertical frontpoint crampons: Dualpoints are better for continuous ice while monopoints are lighter and better suited for mixed climbing

    • Crampon pouch: Reusing a USPS Tyvek mailing package is a cost effective option, though specific manufactured options exist and are more durable

    • Technical ice tools: Remove any adze attachment as this may pose an unnecessary hazard for waterfall ice climbing

    • Climbing helmet: Must be UIAA certified

    • Harness: Recommended ice clipper compatibility

    • Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner

    • 48 inch (120cm) sewn nylon sling: A Personal Anchor System (PAS) can be used instead, though is less versatile

    • 1-2 Locking carabiners: Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner

    • 1-2 Non locking carabiners: Wiregates are less prone to freezing

    • 2 Ice Clippers: Optional

    • Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 3 lenses w/ athletic fit

    • Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick

    • First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications

    • Hand warmers: Optional, for those colder days

    • Kula cloth: Optional, antimicrobial cloth for people who squat to pee

    • Pee funnel: Optional, to facilitate easier bathroom usage in a harness for people who squat to pee

    • Hand warmers: Optional

    • Fully charged phone

    • 1-2 liters of water: A thermos with your favorite hot drink is recommended. Avoid water bladders and hoses as they are prone to puncture and freezing in a winter environment

    • High energy lunch and snacks: A healthy mix of fats, sugar, and protein for a full day of the on-the-go (leftover pizza or sandwiches are a great midday pick-me-up)

Based on a 2-day itinerary with a minimum of 2 participants:

$660 per climber

Includes:

  • 2 days of instructional climbing with an AMGA trained Guide

  • Group climbing equipment (ropes, ice protection and anchor material)

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Transportation

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity