Introduction to Water Ice Climbing Course

NOTICE: The dates for this course may change slightly depending on availability of permits. 

Explore the world of water ice climbing! This is a single-pitch course that will cover the techniques needed for safe and effective movement on vertical ice.   By the end of this course, students will successfully demonstrate excellent technique for climbing in the water ice environment (typically climbing WI4 on top rope).

Trip report from last year.

TO APPLY Please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/VxrSYgHiozbqHrzE9

There will be an initial online session to discuss logistics, gear, technique and another session at the Seattle Program Center to get on the foam wall. The bulk of the course will happen at the Ouray ice park in Colorado between Wednesday January 15, 2025 and Friday January 17, 2025. We will climb three days, but you should plan to arrive in Ouray at least the evening before the course.

In addition basic training techniques to prepare for ice climbing will be sent out. The better shape you're in the more ice you'll be able to climb.

Required: participation in this course requires a positive attitude. In the past we've dealt with bad weather in Seattle, bad weather in Denver, challenging housing situations. Ice climbing is also cold.

A few other things to note:

• Please get your application in by the November 4, 2024. We will be reviewing applications and letting folks know by November 25, 2024. 
• The course fee does NOT include housing.
• This course often has many more applicants than room. Volunteering history with the Mountaineers on your profile or having volunteering activities signed up for in the future is viewed favorably.