EDUCATIONAL COURSE

Leading Ice

Are you ready to take the leap from following ice routes to leading them but feel intimated by knowing how to read ice and place safe protection? Join one of MAG’s professional guides to learn the right and safest way to lead ice routes and gain the confidence needed to get out ice climbing on your own. Our small course ratios allow customized instruction that meet the needs and abilities of each participant while providing ample time to practice newly learned skills on the ice.

    • Risk assessment approaching climbs and at the crag/cliff

    • Ice screw placements and removal, protection evaluation

    • Multi-point/multi-directional anchor construction

    • V-threads

    • Fall factors and forces created

    • Technique and lead climbing strategy

    • Lead belays and belaying from above

    • Equipment selection and use

  • Climbers enrolling in our Leading Ice Climbing Course should have a solid background climbing on ice. Contact us about options if you feel you need to gain these skills.

    • 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

February 8, 2025

Don’t see course dates to match your schedule? Book a Private Course for any dates!

COURSE DURATION

1 Day

COST

$275/participant

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

RATIO

4:1 (max of 8 participants: 2 guides)

Note: With 8 participants, we will have two 4:1 climbing teams