Summary

2-DAY BASIC ICE COURSE - Ouray

Prices From	USD$ $320.00
1st Departure	01.01.0001
Provider	San Juan Mountain Guides, LLC
Destination	Southwest Colorado
Duration	2 Day Course
Challenge	Beginner
Avg Rating	Not Rated

2-Day Basic Ice Climbing Course

Basic Ice Climbing course costs $320, 2 days -Saturday and Sunday, maximum ratio 4:1- All ice climbing equipment is included.
Start dates: 12/19/09, 12/26/09, 12/30/09 (Wed/Thurs), 1/2/10, 1/16/10, 1/23/10, 1/30/10, 2/6/10, 2/13/10, 2/20/10, 2/27/10, 3/6/10, 3/13/10.

For those new to the sport of ice climbing, we offer a 2-day Basic Ice Climbing Course . This course is centered at the world-renowned Ouray Ice Park; a scenic, rock walled gorge with hundreds of frozen waterfall climbs cascading from the rim above. Due to its ease of access from the hotel and its vast amount of terrain for all ability levels, the Ouray Ice Park is the premier destination for ice climbing instruction. This course begins on low angle terrain where we introduce proper footwork and use of crampons; emphasizing balance and technique over strength. From there we venture onto progressively steeper terrain to learn and practice techniques for steep ice climbing, including two-tool and zig-zag methods. Throughout the course discussion will also address belay methods, protective systems, and safety precautions for ice climbing.

Itinerary

Saturday - Day One

Meet at 0730 at the SJMG Office. We will do a course orientation, sign paperwork, and issue any climbing equipment or boots that you need. Carpool to the Ouray Ice Park. Walk to appropriate location for primary skills instruction. We start climbing with no ice tools to form a good base of footwork. From there we add the ice tools and add different techniques for balance, security, and efficiency. Basic climbing systems: belaying, ice srews, simple anchors. End day around 1600 (4pm).

Sunday - Day Two

Meet at 0730 at the Ouray Victorian Inn. Carpool to the Ice Park. 0800-1530: Ongoing skills instruction in the Ice Park. We will utilze a number of different exercises to continue the progression onto steeper and more challenging terrain. Belay and anchor practice.

Gear List

** Available at no charge from SJMG **Ice Climbing Boots: Insulated Leather or Double Plastic, crampon compatible, comfortable boots. We recommend La Sportiva Nepal Extreme or Trango Ice. Scarpa and Kayland are good brands as well. **Climbing Harness: Comfortable climbing harness with belay loop. Petzl Sama, Luna, and Corax are excellent choices. **Climbing Helmet: UIAA approved helmet. We use Petzl Ecrin Roc and Elios models. **Crampons: Semi-rigid frame with vertically oriented frontpoints are recommended. Either Petzl Dart/Dartwin or Grivel G14 are best. **Ice Tools: Modern bent shaft tools make it eaiser to learn. We have Petzl Nomic, Quark, and Aztarex tools. PERSONAL ITEMS Medium sized (25-40 Liters) daypack. Warm non-cotton socks. 2 pairs of warm gloves: "ski" gloves work pretty well for beginners. Hestra makes unbeleivably good quality gloves, and OR has a whole line of excellent climbing handwear. Warm hat or balaclava: able to fit under a helmet is best. Water-resistant shell coat and pants: ski clothing works ok for those new to the sport. If you are looking to buy, get modern "soft-shell" garments like the Mammut Laser Jacket and Champ Pants. Multiple clothing layers: non-cotton long underwear and fleece layers give the best versatility. Warm puffy belay jacket: (optional) down or syntehtic, one super warm layer can be nice to throw on while standing around. 2 liters of water, tea, or gatorade. Snacks and lunch for the day. Sunglasses Sunscreen Camera

Travel Information

Activity Location SJMG Office 474 Main St. 474 Main Street Ouray, CO 81427 USA