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Performance Ice Climbing Course
Register for course

Course Rundown

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included.

Food

Food is not included.

Course Cost:
$600 ($200 per day) per person based on 2 participants
5% gst & other taxes extra

Duration:

3 days

Location:

Canmore and Banff, Canadian Rockies

Guide to client ratio:

1:2

Fitness:

Good fitness

Ability:

Intermediate

Prerequisites:

MSA Introduction to Ice Climbing or previous belaying and basic ice climbing skills

Ages:

15 years old and up

Equipment:

Equipment is not included however rentals can be arranged.

Transportation:

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

Booking deadline:
n/a

Performance Ice Climbing Course

Course Description

This course is recommended for ice climbers whose ability level fits between intermediate to advanced. During this mentorship course, we will focus on MSA’s experience driven ice climbing technique, a technique refined by world class ice climber Eric Dumerac, as a foundation and development tool to enhance performance. This is achieved through understanding the ice climbing technique phases and concepts of stance, balance, the 3 dimensional plane, optimal route finding strategy, optimal protection placement, learning to rest, setting a pace and critical safety & acceptable level of risk decision making. All the key components are broken down, explained, demonstrated, practiced, error corrected and fine-tuned until we have the desired progression.

All instruction is provided with a low guide to client ratio of 1:2, and our methodology is one based on tailoring our mentorship to each participants needs. Due to this approach and climbing site selection, each course participants’ different ability levels will not interfere with the climber’s progression. Several key technique building exercises are rehearsed until they become ingrained to get rid of any bad habits and establish a sound foundation.

This very well crafted course will maximize an ice climber’s current performance as well as provide all the necessary tools for them to reach the highest levels of ice climbing performance.

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

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Day one 7:30 orientation meeting at Summit Café in Canmore top of page

Meet and 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 Performance ice climbing specific equipment reviewed.
Climbing warm up and participant technique and ability evaluation
Lesson 5 IceXpert technique foundation reviewed and implemented.
Lesson 6 Participant technique comparison with iceXpert technique i.e. strengths and weakness, and recognizing areas to be focused on for progression.
Lesson 7 Belaying: Technique building exercises specific to each participant

Day two 8:00 meeting at Summit Café in Canmore top of page

Lesson 8 Progression from previous day: IceXpert ice climbing technique broken down into important phases and concepts according to each participants needs.
Lesson 9 Technique: demonstration and exercises designed to resolve any bad habits and ingrain good technique in stance, balance and the 3 dimensional plane.
Lesson 10 Optimal route finding strategy
Lesson 11 Optimal protection placement
Lesson 12 Route strategy: learning to rest, conserving energy and setting a pace
Lesson 13 Critical safety & acceptable level of risk decision making.
Lesson 14 Progression evaluation and feedback

Day three 8:00 meeting at Summit Café in Canmore top of page

Advanced iceXpert technique and advanced ice climbing strategy reviewed and practiced
Performance evaluation: technique fine tuning and feedback
Ongoing practice with emphasis on any weaknesses: error correction fine tuning
Final evaluation: feedback and future progression preparation

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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

Provide your own or add transport at $20.00 a day

Equipment

This course does not include equipment apart from the guide will bring rope, screws and draws. Own your equipment already? We recommend that you bring it and you use it, including rope, screws and draws. It is always 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

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
Sunglasses, sunscreen

Equipment

Helmet
Harness
Boots
Ice Axes
Crampons
2 locking carabiners
1 double length sling and 1 belay device
The following is not obligatory:
1 Abalacov Hooker
1 small knife
1 meter section of climbing 7 mil static cord/prussic material
5 medium ice screws
4 long ice screws
6 quickdraws or shoulder length slings or screamers w/non locking carabiners
2 double length slings

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 28th - 30th, 2010	$600 + 5% GST		Inquire
January 17th - 19th, 2011	$600 + 5% GST		Inquire
February 8th - 10th 2011	$600 + 5% GST		Inquire
March 14th - 16th 2011	$600 + 5% GST		Inquire
March 21st - 23rd, 2011	$600 + 5% GST		Inquire
Please contact MSA directly for alternate dates with pre-organized groups.	$600 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$600 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$600 + 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	n/a		Inquire
3 People	n/a		Inquire
2 People	$645 + 5% GST		Inquire
1 Person	$1245 + 5 % GST		Inquire

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