Weekend Ice Climbing Courses
'Basic Ice'

Course Details

DATES - PRICE - AGENDA - PLUS DAYS
INSTRUCTORS & GROUP SIZE - DIFFICULTY, FITNESS & EXPERIENCE
TRANSPORTATION - ACCOMMODATION & MEALS - GEAR
INSURANCE - BOOKING

Experience and enjoy this super exhilarating sport on our weekend course. Personalized instruction will help you to develop technique, the signature of a good climber. We focus on movement skills and use simple rope handling techniques on short frozen waterfalls.

With the enthusiastic and dedicated 'Yam Team', top climbers and guides such as Barry Blanchard, James Blench, Dwayne Congdon, Jim Gudjonsen, Michael Olsthoorn, Mark Stewart and Paul Valiulis you'll experience an unforgettable weekend of learning, challenge and exhilaration!

In addition to taking this basic program check out the 'Plus Days' add-on option and you'll be just blown away by what you can accomplish on this weekend!

Dates

2000: Dec 1 - 3

2001: Jan 5 - 7, Jan 19 - 21, Feb 2 - 4, Feb 9 - 11, Feb 23 - 25.

Price

$190 CDN covers GST, instruction and use of technical gear. Accommodation and meals are not included but low cost, easy options exist which we can help organize for you. Cancellation insurance is available for $10.00.

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Course Agenda

Friday Evening: (At Yamnuska Office)

• Welcome, introduction, goals and agenda.
• Knots and harnesses.
• Adjust crampons and check gear

Saturday Evening: (At Local Climbing Area)

• Discussion of safety procedures
• Ice "bouldering" - how to use 'crampons' in a safe environment a few feet off the ground - essential for confidence!
• Basic belays and belay calls.
• Top roped climbs.
• Lowering.
• Evening lecture(At office): Ice climbing, winter hazards, equipment talk and slide show.

Sunday Evening: (At Local Climbing Area)

• Bouldering warm up.
• Ice "bouldering" - how to use 'crampons' in a safe environment a few feet off the ground - essential for confidence!
• Introduction to steep ice climbing techniques.
• Short, steep ice climbing practice.
• Debrief and wrap-up by 4:00pm.

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'Plus Days'

Stay for an extra day after 'Basic Ice' and put your new skills into practice on a classic Canadian Rockies multi-pitch climb such as 'Professor's'. The instructor to student ratio is 1:2, we divide into compatible teams, choose a suitable 'multi-pitch' (several rope lengths in height) route and spend the whole day climbing it.

$175 incl. GST. Available every Monday following 'Basic Ice'. (cancellation coverage $10)

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Instructors and Group Size

Enthusiastic and extremely talented, your instructors hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them. There will be a maximum of 12 students. Instructor/student ratios range down from 1:6. On multi-pitch days 1:2 is the norm.

How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?

You need NO previous experience This course is for beginners. A high level of fitness will contribute to enjoyment and achievement.

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Transportation

We normally rely upon participants car pooling. Should this not be feasible we will ensure that something is organized. If visiting the area from far afield we would recommend you rent a car so as to be able to visit local attractions and the like in the evenings (you may be able to share this expense with other participants). Canmore is a 1 hour drive west from Calgary. There are frequent buses from the airport and downtown, we will send details upon booking.

Accommodation and Meals

These are your responsibility. There are lots of options available including campgrounds, hostels, B'n'Bs, motels and hotels! We will send you a list of recommendations once you book. On the course you will need a packed lunch and something to drink.

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Equipment and Clothing

The course fee includes use of all technical gear although you should feel free to bring any gear you already have. Plastic mountaineering boots are available to rent (order when registering). When you book we will send you a complete list of anything you will need to bring (appropriate clothing etc.

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Insurance

There is no charge for rescue. If we climb in Banff National Park you will need a day entry pass (c.$5) to qualify for free rescue. This pass can be obtained when we enter the Park. It is wise, though to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra coverage if necessary.

Booking Information

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment on booking. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance (5% of course price), this must accompany your deposit.

For detailed booking instructions and conditions, click here.

Along with all relevant receipts we will send you a full trip logistical kit (containing meeting times, a list of what to bring and info on how to get here) and a sample copy of our waiver which we will ask you to sign when you meet us.