Untitled Document

Introduction to Mixed Climbing
Register for course

Course Rundown

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included.

Food

Food is not included.

Course Cost:
$165 + 5% GST per person based on 4 participants
5% gst & other taxes extra

Duration:

1 day

Location:

Canmore and Banff, Canadian Rockies

Guide to client ratio:

1:4

Fitness:

Good fitness

Ability:

Introductory

Prerequisites:

Basic belaying and ice climbing skills

Ages:

15 years old and up

Equipment:

Ice climbing boots, helmet, harness, crampons, ice axes is included.

Transportation:

Transport is not included however this can be arranged for an additional $20.00 per day.

Booking deadline:

1 week before course

Introduction to Mixed Climbing

Course Description

Mixed climbing is not only fun and exciting, it has become an important part of any ice climbers repertoire. Nowadays most winter climbers practice both ice and mixed every winter. Furthermore, mixed climbing will radically improve anyone's alpine climbing skills. Through our experience driven Mixed Master technique, participants will effectively introduce the necessary skill set to establish a safe and solid mixed climbing foundation. Learn not only important dry tooling techniques but also tricks of the trade that make all the difference. Everything you need to establish a good mixed climbing foundation is covered including the use of specialized equipment, transition from rock to ice and vice versa, tricks of the trade and important safety considerations. This is an excellent course to add on to our Introduction to ice course and/or Ice Leader & Anchors course.

Course Itinerary

View logistics - Course Equipment, Accommodation, Food and Transportation options view logistics
Equipment List - What to bring?, what not to bring? We can answer those questions view equipment list

top of page

Day one 7:30 orientation meeting at Gear Up Sports top of page

Meet at Gear Up Rentals in Canmore (click for map to Gear Up)
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 Safety: Current hazards and safety protocols for mixed climbing.
Lesson 5 Equipment: Intro to mixed climbing specific equipment.
Lesson 6 Mixed grades explained and the guide book
Lesson 7 Belaying and special dry tooling considerations.
Lesson 8 Introduction to the MSA Mixed Master Dry Tooling technique: tool and crampon placement, movement, free range tool exchange, resting, strategy, tool stowing technique and more.
Lesson 9 Dry tooling demo and practice.
Lesson 10 Dry tooling practice with quality feedback and fine-tuning.
Course debrief and next step recommendations.
Course closure.

top of page

Course Logistics

View Itinerary - A day by day summary of the course view itinerary
Equipment List - What to bring?, what not to bring? We can answer those questions view equipment list

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

N/A

Equipment

This course includes all the climbing equipment you will need. Own your equipment already? We recommend you use it, since 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. We highly recommend that individuals purchase their own helmet, harness, 2 locking carabiners and 1 belay device prior to the course. It just makes sense to own the very basics of equipment as a climber.
Please view equipment list

Please view equipment list

Equipment List

View logistics - Course Equipment, Accommodation, Food and Transportation options view logistics
View Itinerary - A day by day summary of the course view itinerary

Clothing

Warm under layers and socks
Soft shell top and bottom
Hard shell top and bottom
Mid layer fleece top
Extra puffy jacket- down or synthetic outer coat
Warm hat
Balaklava or neck tube
1 set of gloves and 1 additional set of gloves/mitts
A pair of lighter gloves for dry tooling is ideal
Sunglasses, sunscreen
Goggles

Equipment

We provide all the climbing equipment you will need. Helmet, Harness, Boots, Mixed Climbing Ice Axes, Crampons, 2 locking carabiners, 1 double length sling and 1 belay device.

Note: 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

Toilet Paper
Lighter
Sanitizer
Personal items

Course Photographs

Fitness Explained

Good Fitness
In good general health- able to walk or ski for at least two hours at a slow pace (including breaks) in undulating terrain. Able to carry a light load (25lbs = 12 kilos).

Very Good Fitness
Exercise regularly (in gym, mountains, etc)- have fairly good cardio. Can walk or ski for several hours (including breaks) over several days in diverse mountain terrain at a moderate pace (including up hill and down hill). Able to carry a moderate load (35-45 lbs = 16- 20 kilos)

Peak Fitness
Follow a routine exercise schedule and may even be training for sports or expeditions. Excellent cardio and good stamina. Able to walk or ski all day at a moderate pace over several days in diverse mountain terrain including steeper uphill and downhill sections. Able to carry moderate loads of (35 to 55lbs = 25 kilos). You feel it would be reasonable for you to acclimatize on peaks.

Ability Explained

Introductory
Suitable for beginner level, no prior experience required.

Intermediate
You have previous experience and a good general knowledge of the sport.

Advanced
You have very good knowledge of the sport developed from regular practice.

Backcountry Skier Ability Level

Type I Beginner
Skis slowly and conservatively. Newer to backcountry skiing, links parallel turns and able to slide slip more difficult sections. Can stop when desired.

Type II Intermediate
Skis at a moderate pace. Links parallel turns in powder and can come to a full stop on demand. Able to handle varied snow conditions and terrain. Has no problem skiing in trees or negotiating short ski crux's (difficult sections).

Type III Advanced
Skis more aggressively, at higher speeds and able to ski advanced terrain. Can handle different snow conditions. Enjoys more technical terrain. No problem handling short cruxes and steeper sections.

Type IV Expert
Aggressive and fast, capable of skiing in all conditions. Able to negotiate difficult sections, ski in couloirs and prolonged steep terrain.

Course Schedule & Pricing


Scheduled Course Date	Course Price	Register	Inquire
December 16, 2011	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire
January 9, 2012	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire
Please contact MSA directly for alternate dates for pre-arranged groups of 4 or more people	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire

Private Course Option
We also offer our students the option of a private course. Join a group of friends together, let us know your group size and preferred dates. See chart below for private course prices.

*Bonus! The group organizer will save 10%. Single private course also available.


Private Date Option	Course Price	Register	Inquire
4 People	$165 + 5% GST		Inquire
3 People	$200+ 5% GST		Inquire
2 People	$225 + 5% GST		Inquire
1 Person	$450 + 5% GST		Inquire

Course Menu