Ice Climbing
There is something incredibly rewarding about sinking the slender steel pick of an ice tool into a sheet of plastic ice with conviction. Unlike rock climbing which is dictated by the presence (or absence) of holds, crampons and ice tools allow us to penetrate this frozen medium under our own terms. Water is one of the most intriguing elements and it can form some incredible features when it freezes. From smooth sheets, ribbed columns, and icicle chandeliers, to malignant mushrooms, and hanging daggers, it can be a meter thick one year and non-existent the next.
Ice Climbing Courses
Intro Ice
Welcome to the magical world of waterfall ice climbing. This one day course takes place on local Nelson ice and will cover all the basics, providing you with a solid grounding for crampon footwork, efficient ice tool use, and stylin' movement skills. There will be plenty of time for top roping ice routes and if you are entirely new to climbing we will cover safe belay techniques and all equipment usage.
Season: December to March
Scheduled Dates:
Dec. 30, 2012 Wait List
Jan. 31, 2013
Feb. 21, 2013
$160 / person (includes all technical ice climbing equipment)
No experience necessary
Kootenay Ice - 2 Day Clinic
Whether you are brand new to the sport, looking to gain more mileage, or seeking to sharpen your skills, this course is for you! We will tailor the curriculum towards providing a fun challenge and improving your technique. We have partnered up with OR sponsored athlete and "Chicks with Picks" guide Margo Talbot for a fun filled weekend you will not want to miss!
Locations in the Nelson and Slocan Valley areas.
Season: December to March
Scheduled Dates:
Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 2013
$320 / person (includes all technical ice climbing equipment)
No experience necessary
Leading Ice
Lead climbing on ice opens the doors to countless possibilities but learning good and safe habits is paramount. This day long course covers safe active lead belaying, effective gear racking, restful ice screw placements, anchor building, descending, Abalacovs, and tips to make your ice career a long, safe and happy one!
Season: December to March
Dates on demand
$160 / person (includes all technical gear)
You should be an experienced top rope ice climber.
Guided Outings - Day Trips from Nelson
Nelson Ice
This local Shangri-la is just a 15 min. drive from Nelson! A tranquil approach leads to climbs ranging from WI3 - 4+ and some mixed rock & ice climbing as well. Half day guiding rates apply. You could even combine a half day of skiing in the Whitewater Backcountry to make a Full Day of "Powder & Ice".
Length: Half Day (3-4h)
Season: December to March
SEE PHOTOS
Contact us for details
Passmore Ice
20-30 min. from Nelson lies some very impressive topography in the Slocan Valley which plays host to a classic 3 tiered WI5 route and many other options worthy of a fun day out!
Length: Full Day
Season: December to March
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Contact us for details
Slocan Lake Ice WI3-5
Several options exist just north of Slocan city from easy rollers to great sheets of ice to hanging daggers and mixed corners. The climbs are a 1 hr. drive from Nelson with very short approaches and fantastic lake views.
Length: Full Day
Season: December to March
The Enterprise WI3-4
This beauty is ~1hr. drive from Nelson and has a short, direct approach with awesome views over Slocan Lake. Several lines are possible in the WI 3-4+ range and although the climb can be easily done in one pitch, there are fun intermediate belays available at the tree on the right or the cave on the left to make for great multipitch practice. Rap the route. This could be combined with another Slocan ice climb in the same day.
Length: 6-7h round trip from Nelson
Season: December to March
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Contact us for details
Summit Lake Ice
Description to come!
Meadow Creek Ice
Description to come!
Guided Multiday Trips
Rockies Ice Tour
The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the greatest ice climbing in the world! Come and enjoy the classics of the area on your own privately guided ice tour. Routes will be custom selected to suit your personal tastes and abilities.
Trip length: 3-5 days
Season: Mid November to Mid April
Route Descriptions
West Kootenay Ice
Click on the heading below for detailed route descriptions of ice climbs in the West Koots.
