Intro to Ice

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to climb a frozen waterfall? This course covers all of the basics from how to stay warm to how to best use tools and crampons to climb efficiently on frozen waterfalls and glaciers.Β  Following this course, students should have a clear understanding of basic ice climbing concepts and safety considerations.

Pay a 50% deposit per item

Skills Covered

  • Proper techniques for belaying and lowering on ice
  • Development of an efficient swing with leashless tools
  • Solid use of feet and controlled body movement
  • Winter warmth techniques including clothing and food
  • Presentation of ice climbing equipment and technical systems
  • Practice ice screw removal and basic anchoring techniques

Price Includes

Does Include:

  • AMGA Trained/Certified Guide/Instructor
  • Group Climbing Equipment
  • Ropes
    • Technical Hardware – carabiners, protection, belay device, etc
    • Technical Softgoods – slings, cordelette, anchor rope, etc
  • Personal Climbing Equipment
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Helmet
  • Harness

Does Not Include:

  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Trip/cancellation Insurance
  • Non-technical Personal Items – clothing, pack, sunglasses, etc
  • Rescue Insurance
  • Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
  • Guide Gratuity
  • Unforeseen costs incurred outside of the control of SAI

Equipment List

Clothing

 

Bottom

  • Mid-weight synthetic bottom
  • Synthetic underwear
  • Softshell pants – a tighter, more athletic fit is ideal (do not wear baggy ski pants)
  • (optional) Down or synthetic insulated pants – full side zip – should fit over all your layers

 

Top

  • Lightweight longsleeve top
  • Midweight longsleeve top – with hood recommended
  • Sports Bra
  • Softshell Jacket with hood
  • Non-insulated Waterproof shell jacket with hood – should fit over your softshell jacket and under your harness waistbelt
  • Down or synthetic insulated puffy jacket – should fit over the outside of all your layers

 

Head

  • Wool or synthetic beanie – needs to fit under your helmetΒ  (no pom pom on top)
  • Neck gaiter or balaclava – Buffs are great!
  • Face Mask (PPE) – n95 or similar
  • Sunglasses – full sun protection with 100% UV protectionΒ 

 

Hands

  • 1 pair of heavyweight insulated gloves for belaying
  • 2 pairs of mid-weight water resistant softshell type gloves – with a leather palm

 

Feet

  • Wool or synthetic mid-weight socks – ski socks are great!
  • (do not wear heavy weight, bulky wool socks – your feet will get colder)
  • Boots: leather or synthetic waterproof, insulated fully rigid mountaineering boot
  • Optional: Gaiters

 

Technical EquipmentΒ 

 

  • Ice tools – designed for vertical water ice climbing
  • Crampons – designed for vertical water ice climbing – dual point preferable
  • Harness – UIAA/CE rated climbing harness with belay loop and gear loops.Β  Should be able to fit on the outside of your layers.Β  Adjustable leg loops recommended
  • Helmet – UIAA/CE rated climbing helmet.Β  Should be able to fit on the outside of your beanie
  • Belay/rappel device – plaquette, tube style device preferred
  • 2 locking carabiners – large, round stock screw gate carabiners that are easily manipulated while wearing gloves

 

*All technical equipment will be provided by SAI, but if you have our own, it’s encouraged that you bring it.

 

 

Food

  • 2L of water
  • 1000-1200 calories of food – energy bars, sandwiches, fruits, etc

 

Personal

  • Backpack – 25-30L
  • 2 Large mouth water bottles, 1L capacity each. (or 1 water bottle and 1 thermos)
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Smartphone

 

Optional

  • Toe/Hand Warmers
  • Insulated, vacuum sealed bottle – for hot drinks or soup (1L capacity)
  • Hot Drink – hot cocoa, tea, cider, sports drink, etc
  • Hot Soup – miso or chicken noodle are favorites
RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk managementΒ is SAI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in the mountains such as avalanches, ice fall, rock fall, inclement weather, and high winds, but they cannot eliminate them. SAI guides draw from their wealth of experience and training to make sound decisions that maximize your experience without compromising the necessary margin of safety. Please clearly understand that mountaineering and all other mountain adventures are inherently hazardous sports. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of these sports, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in these activities.

FAQ

Q:What am I responsible to bring?

A: Each one of course pages has information on what to bring under the tab β€œPrice Includes”. We will also send you additional info on how to prepare for your guided day once via email once we have received your payment.Β 

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Q:How fit should I be for my course?

A: Our courses vary from absolute beginner to more advanced techniques on the sharp end.Β  While a base level of fitness (moderate hiking) is generally necessary to get to the climb, all courses can be tweaked to match your level of fitness.

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Q: What if the weather is bad and we need to cancel/reschedule?

A: Read our cancellation policy on our policies page.

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Q: Do I need to have prior climbing experience?

A: Each course/objective has different experience requirements. This information can be found under the Prerequisites tab at the bottom of our course pages.Β  For example, you do not need any prior experience to enroll in our Intro to Mountaineering Course but would need some prior climbing experience to participate in our Learn to Lead Trad Course.Β 

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Q: Is there an age minimum? Can I bring my kids?

A: No, there is not an age minimum and yes you can bring your kids! However, there are some courses where children would not be suitable. You can find more information under the β€œcourse details” tab on our course pages. Also, check out our custom guiding options where we can create custom itinerary for you and your family.Β 

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Q: Will I need transportation to get to the climb?

A: Yes, we do not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling with other course participants whenever possible though to save the environment and parking space! Meeting times and locations will be sent out via email once you have booked a course with us.Β 

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Q: Do you offer lodging options?

A: No. We offer recommended lodging options and sometimes discounted rates depending on the course or trip. Feel free to call us if you have any questions about lodging!



POLICIES

Please review ourΒ cancellation policy here.

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Advanced registration is required to book this course. We have a limited amount of guides and book up regularly. Simply book online if you’re ready to secure a date or, give us a call during business hours if you have any questions.