Introduction to Ice Climbing

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Day one 8:00 orientation meeting at Gear Up Sports  Canmore top of page

• Sign waivers, safety discussion and backpack / equipment check.
• Lesson 1 Equipment: Adjust crampons, harnesses, helmets and backpack set-ups.
• Drive: Carpooling is recommended when possible.
• Lesson 2 Environment: Leave no trace and wildlife discussion.
• Lesson 3 Onsite safety: Current hazards and safety protocols.
• Lesson 4 Crampons: Learn basic crampon techniques.
• Lesson 5 Ice & tools: How and where to swing an ice axe.
• Lesson 6: Basic movement on ice.
• Lesson 7 Knots: Knots and tying into the rope.
• Lesson 8 Belays and lowers: Basic rope management, commands and safety systems for top rope climbing, removing ice screws.
• Lesson 9 Climbing: Application of the MSA 3 Point X-Box technique.
• Perfecting 3 Point X-Box, ice axe swing and crampon placement. 

 Day two 7:00 meeting at Summit Café Canmore top of page

• Morning Meeting: Coffee or tea, review, equipment check.
• Drive: Drive to local area.
• Lesson 10 Safety reminder: Current hazards and safety protocols for ice climbing.
• Lesson 11 Equipment: Adjust crampons, harnesses, helmets and backpack set ups.
• Lesson 12 Crampon & Ice Axe: Review basic crampon and ice axe techniques.
• Lesson 13 Belays and Lowers: Review of basic rope management and safety systems.
• Lesson 14 Ice Grades explained.
• Lesson 15 The guidebook and choosing a route.
• Lesson 16 Climbing: Practice 3 Point X-Box Technique with quality feedback and fine tuning.
• Lesson 17 Anchors: Introduction to ice screws and basic anchor recognition.
• Lesson 18 More climbing: Continuing ice climbing technique refinement with quality feedback and fine-tuning.
• Lesson 19 Progression: Introduction and demonstration of the MSA IceXpert Ice Climbing Technique.
• Course debrief and next step recommendations.
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Accommodation

Accommodation is not included.

Should you require accommodation in Canmore, we have organized for your convenience excellent value accommodation packages with local providers: economy option at the Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse $30 per night w/ kitchen facilities, superior option at the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge $123 per night based on double occupancy and luxury options - prices range on luxury level. These choices are made available during the booking process. 

Food

Students are responsible for their own food. MSA offers discounted breakfast and packed lunch packages should you request it.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation. We encourage carpooling and usually this works out very well.

Equipment

This course includes all the climbing equipment you will need. Though we have harness, helmet, locking carabiner and belay device for your use, we do recommend participants purchase these items since they are very personal and require specific fitting and will be used any time you go ice or rock climbing. Own your equipment already? We recommend you use it, as it is best to be familiar with your own equipments specific attributes. Organized for your convenience (we make zero profit on this) we also have available discounted packaged equipment deals for purchase with a selection of several different products - please inquire. 

Clothing

• Warm top and bottom under layers and socks
• Mid layer fleece top
• Soft or hard shell pants
• Optional soft or hard shell top
• Gaiters
• Warm hat 
• Balaklava or neck tube
• 2 pairs of gloves
• Optional Mitts
• Sunglasses & sunscreen

Equipment

We provide all the climbing equipment you will need. Helmet, Harness, Boots, Ice Axes, Crampons, 2 locking carabiners, 1 double length sling and 1 belay device. We should let you know that if you want to become a climber you should really purchase your own Harness, Helmet, locking carabiner and belay device.

Food & Water

* MSA does not include food and drink for this course. It is a good idea to bring a thermos with tea. Student should pack a lunch with snack for every course day. Packaged breakfast and lunches are available upon request.

Other
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