Women’s Ice Clinic

EDUCATIONAL COURSE

This clinic is designed for women interested in building their ice climbing craft. Whether brand new to ice climbing, experienced and looking to hone movement skills, or interested in learning about ice protection and technical skills we’ve got you covered. No matter your background, all abilities are welcome. We work in a small 4:1 ratio allowing for each participants’ goals to be met.

Day 1 - 7:00am at Montana Alpine Guides
- Meet your guide at the MAG office (4055 Valley Commons Drive, Suite F-4).
- Fit gear and fill out necessary paperwork.
- Caravan to Ousel Falls.
- Welcome, introduction, aspiration, goals, agenda.
- Knots, harnesses, and ropes.
- Set crampons to boots and check harnesses.
- Discussion of safety procedures.
- Basic ice climbing movement – footwork with crampons and ice tool placements.
- Basic belay techniques and belay commands.
- Learn about anchors, lowering, rappelling.
- Top-rope climbs at Ousel Falls and practice your skills while being coached by the pros!
- Debrief of the Day 1 and depart climbing venue at 3:30-4:30 pm.
Day 2 - 7:00am at Montana Alpine Guides
- Meet your guide at the MAG office (4055 Valley Commons Drive, Suite F-4), caravan to Hyalite Canyon.
- Review of skills from Day 1.
- Warm-up climb and techniques to stay warm while ice climbing.
- Introduction to steep ice climbing techniques and the pyramid technique.
- Climbing with instruction/coaching on steeper climbs. With proper technique, you will quickly progress in the ice climbing grades.
- Introduction to ice screw placements and other protection options.
- Practice “seconding” a “lead” ice climber, cleaning gear from a good stance.
- Return to the MAG office at 3:30-4:30 pm.
- Debrief of trip, return gear, grab a MAG hoody or shirt.
No experience required–beginners welcome!
- Professional guiding and instruction
- All technical equipment (ice tools, boots, crampons, helmet, and harness)
- 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!)
Please see our Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.