'COMPLETE
ICE'
Course details: DATES
/ PRICE / LOCATION
/ AGENDA / EXPERIENCE & FITNESS / INSTRUCTORS & GROUP SIZE / TRANSPORT / MEALS &
ACCOMMODATION / GEAR /
INSURANCE / BOOKING
Imagine yourself climbing a waterfall frozen in time.
Adrenaline flowing, crampons biting into vertical icicles and your 'tools' hooking into
the ice above with a satisfying ' thunk' . Heart thumping yet feeling secure you look
around ... it's outrageous, surreal almost, and despite the cold there's no place you'd
rather be!
'Complete Ice' is a unique opportunity to learn a fantastic sport in a magical
environment. You'll develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to safely climb
waterfall ice climbs. Our 'hands-on' approach starts you from the ground up and takes you
on to classic multi-pitch climbs in the space of six days!
Dates: Dec 27, 1999 - Jan 1, 2000; Jan 16 - 22, 2000; Feb
20 - 26, 2000
Price: $770 CDN (c.$530US) includes GST, instruction and use of
technical gear. Accommodation, local transfers and meals are not included but easy to
arrange. Cancellation insurance is available for $39
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Location
The course is based in Canmore but expect to be traveling to
different climbing areas throughout it. There are lots of places to climb ice in our area.
These range from beginner climbs just outside Canmore to the famous "Weeping
Wall" on the Banff-Jasper highway. Other climbs can be found on Banff's Cascade
Mountain, at Lake Louise and in the Kicking Horse Valley near Field, B.C.
Course Agenda
Note: There is considerable flexibility built into the delivery
of this course, no course is exactly the same. Ice and weather conditions as well as
participant ability will dictate the order of presentation to some degree. Key topics will
be constantly revisited during the program.
Day 1: * - Meet 7:30pm at Yamnuska office. - Discuss program and
goals.
-
Knots and harnesses. - Crampon fitting.
Day 2: - Leave for program area.
- Ice
'bouldering', how to use crampons in a safe setting just a few feet above the ground.
-
Learn basic rope techniques. - Short climbs using the rope.
-
Evening session: Hazards of ice climbing (may be held on different night).
Day 3: - Consolidate techniques learnt on Day 2.
-
Techniques for climbing steep ice.
-
Evening session: Construction of an ice 'anchor'.
Day 4: - A real ice climb! A multi-pitch climb that's within your
limits. 2:1 ratio.
Day 5: - Anchor building. - Ice screw placement.
-
Placements on steep ground. - Rescue.
Day 6: - Another multi-pitch climb at 2:1 ratio.
Day 7: - A chance for an easy first lead or do another long route.
-
Course ends around 4:00pm.
* The course after Xmas starts at 0800 on the morning of the first day!!!
Day 1 & 2 are combined.
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How difficult is
it? How fit and experienced need you be?
This course is designed for total beginners and basic level climbers. Ice climbing can be
a strenuous activity but our instruction will emphasize development of technique to reduce
the need for brute strength. The climbing will be tailored towards your ability and
strength as much as possible. A high level of fitness will contribute to enjoyment and
achievement. You need NO previous experience.
Instructors and
Instructor Ratios
Your instructors are certified by the internationally-recognized Association of Canadian
Mountain Guides and licensed by Parks Canada. There will be a maximum of 12 participants
on the course and instructor ratios will range from 1:6 on the initial days to 1:2 on the
multi-pitch days.
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Transportation
Canmore is 100km west of Calgary on the Trans Canada (#1) Highway. Calgary International
Airport is regularly serviced by flights from Europe and throughout North America.
Participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore which can be reached by
regular bus service (on booking we'll send you full bus info). Transportation during the
course is not included. We will coordinate a car pool among participants, if necessary we
can arrange additional transportation.
Meals and
Accommodation
These are your responsibility. There are lots of options available ranging from the
inexpensive Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse right on up to five star hotels. We'll send
you a list of recommended lodgings and are happy to make bookings for you. Each day on the
course you will need to bring a packed lunch and something to drink.
Equipment and Clothing
We supply all technical gear. You will need to bring suitable winter clothing and climbing
boots (these can be rented). We will send you a complete list of what to bring when you
book.
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Insurance
There is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass (obtain
on entry to to National Park). It is wise, though to 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 a $257CDN
deposit with the balance due 8 weeks in advance, after that, full payment is required. To
avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance
for an extra non-refundable $39, 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), an experience questionnaire and a sample copy of our waiver which we will ask you
to sign when you meet us.
PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT US
IF YOU NEED TO KNOW MORE
ABOUT THIS EXCITING WEEK OF ICE CLIMBING
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Yamnuska Inc., 200, 50 - 103 Bow Valley Trail,
Canmore, Alberta, Canada, T1W 1N8 tel. +1 403 678 4164