Intro to Ice

EDUCATIONAL COURSE

With world-class ice climbing cliffs less than a fifteen-minute walk from the parking areas, MAG’s Intro to Ice Climbing Course will maximize your time amidst the vertical! The course takes place at two different venues–Ousel Falls outside of Big Sky and Hyalite Canyon outside of Bozeman. Our experienced ice climbing guides customize all instruction to each individual’s climbing abilities and experience levels. Ice climbing technique is our focal point, and you will be learning from the pros–then put the climbing lessons into action. Each day will be filled with continual feedback, instruction, and as much climbing as possible. Participants will walk away from this 2-day course with a solid ice climbing foundation–including the safety, knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to enjoy the wild and wonderful sport of ice climbing.

    • Ability to identify ice climbing equipment, properly don and check harness, helmet, boots, and crampons

    • Risk management approaching ice climbs and at the cliff/crag

    • Belay communications

    • Climbing knots and hitches

    • Top-rope anchor placement and setup

    • Rappel setup and techniques with friction devices

    • Ice climbing technique up to WI4 with personalized coaching

  • Beginners welcome–no experience required!

    • Professional climbing guide and instruction

    • Personal climbing gear (ice climbing boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, helmet)

    • Group gear (ropes, carabiners, climbing protection, slings, cordelettes, etc.)

    • Food, water, transport, lodging

    • Technical clothing, backpack, etc.

    • Rescue insurance

    • Trip insurance

    • Guide gratuity

    • Unforeseen expenses from circumstances outside of Montana Alpine Guides’ control

  • Please see our Ice Climbing Equipment List for the required equipment for this trip. Technical equipment (ice climbing boots, crampons, ice tools, helmet, and harness) are included in the cost and can be provided. This must be coordinated in advance (especially boot sizes!)

COURSE DATES

  • December 28-29, 2024

  • January 11-12, 2025

  • February 1-2, 2025

  • February 22-23, 2025

COURSE DURATION

2 Days

RATIO

5:1 (Max 10 participants: 2 guides)

Note: With 10 participants, we will have two 5:1 climbing teams

COST

$495/participant

Prices do not include a 4% Public Land Use Fee.