Lead Ice Climbing Class in Colorado
Ascend to new heights: Lead Ice Climbing classes – a crucial component integrated to Mountaineering course with American Mountain School! Explore the art of leading ice climbs with our specialized course. Learn to navigate icy terrains, make critical decisions, and lead confidently. Our program covers advanced techniques, risk management, route selection, and anchor building. Under expert guidance, develop leadership skills crucial for icy ascents. Elevate your mountaineering prowess to become a proficient ice climbing leader. Join us in mastering the thrilling challenge of leading on ice! Equip yourself for leadership and conquer frozen heights with confidence and skill. Be advanced!
Why Choose American Mountain School for Lead Ice Climbing?
Experienced Instructors: Our instructors bring years of ice climbing experience, specializing in lead climbing safety and technique. You’ll learn from seasoned professionals who prioritize your safety and growth.
Comprehensive Training: This course offers detailed instruction in advanced techniques like placing ice screws, managing rope systems, and mastering lead belay to give you confidence and independence on challenging climbs.
Small Group Sizes: We keep our group sizes small to ensure personalized coaching, giving you maximum opportunity for hands-on learning and individualized feedback.
Top-Notch Gear Provided: We provide high-quality gear for lead climbing, including sharpened ice tools, crampons, and technical climbing boots, so you can focus on learning without worrying about equipment.
Prime Ice Climbing Locations: American Mountain School provides access to premier ice climbing routes and conditions, ideal for developing your skills in real-world scenarios.
Safety-First Approach: Our safety protocols ensure that you learn lead climbing with maximum support, practicing safe decision-making while you develop technical skills on the ice.
Lead Ice Climbing Class Overview:
Morning Session: Theoretical Introduction of Lead Ice Climbing and Top-Roping Practice
- Risk Management: Understanding and evaluating risks specific to ice climbing environments.
- Gear and Equipment for Ice Climbing: Comprehensive guidance on essential gear and its proper usage.
- Using Ice Screws: Understanding and using ice screws for anchoring and protection.
- Belay Devices for Lead Climbing: Overview of belay devices suitable for lead climbing.
- Lead Belaying with an Assisted Braking Device: Techniques for lead belaying using assisted braking devices.
- Anchor Building: Essential skills for constructing secure anchors.
- Cleaning Anchors: Techniques for safely removing anchors after climbs.
- Ice Climbing with Top Roping: Recalling ice climbing techniques through top-rope practice
Afternoon:
Practice Day and Evaluation
- Mock Leading Practice: Hands-on experience in leading ice climbs with mock scenarios.
- Evaluation of Ice Screw Placements: Practical evaluation and guidance on proper ice screw placements.
- Refinement and Skill Assessment: Practice and refine lead climbing skills under expert guidance.
- Real-World Application: Apply learned skills in a controlled environment for a comprehensive learning experience.
Class Details:
- Location: Nederland or Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Duration: One-day immersive session
- Focus: Providing lead climbing knowledge and hands-on training in ice climbing essentials.
- Instructors: Experienced guides from American Mountain School ensuring safety and skill development.
- Requirements: Open to participants with top rope ice climbing skills.
Conclusion:
Our two-day Lead Ice Climbing Class offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical learning and hands-on practice. Gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to lead ice climbs safely and effectively. Join us!
INCLUDED:
GROUP GEAR
- Rope, Slings, Ice Protection, Climbing Quickdraws: Essential equipment for secure climbing and safe anchoring. These items are carefully inspected and maintained to meet all safety standards.
PERSONAL GEAR (PROVIDED IF YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR OWN)
- Sharpened Classic Ice Tools: Ergonomically designed ice axes for effective placement and control. These tools are sharpened for optimal grip in icy conditions.
- Crampons (Pre-fitted and Sharpened): Crampons adjusted to fit your boot size, with sharp points to ensure secure traction on ice surfaces for safe and stable movement.
- Technical Climbing Boots (Based on Size): Warm, rigid-soled boots ideal for icy terrain and equipped for crampon compatibility. Boots provide insulation and support for all-day comfort.
- Climbing Helmet: Lightweight helmet designed to protect from falling ice and rocks. Adjustable and ventilated for comfort.
- Climbing Harness: Comfortable, secure harness with adjustable leg loops to fit over layered clothing.
- Assisted Breaking Device (GriGri): A belay device with assisted braking, adding safety and control when belaying a lead climber on ice routes.
EXCLUDED:
PERSONAL GEAR (RECOMMENDED TO BRING)
- Climbing Backpack (30-35 L): Large enough for essential gear, water, and layers, with additional storage for a rope if needed. A hydration sleeve and tool loops are recommended.
- Trekking Poles (At Least One): Adjustable poles with snow baskets for stability on uneven or snowy terrain.
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm (SPF 50+): Essential for UV protection in high-altitude or reflective snow and ice conditions.
- Sunglasses (UV Protection): Wrap-around or glacier-style sunglasses to protect against glare and UV rays.
- Personal First Aid Kit: Compact kit with personal medications, bandages, blister treatment, and any necessary items for minor injuries.
- Snacks for the Day: High-energy, lightweight snacks like energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruit to maintain energy levels.
- Thermos (1 L): Insulated thermos for warm drinks to stay hydrated and comfortable in cold conditions.
- Water (1 L, Preferably Isotonic): Hydration to prevent altitude dehydration; isotonic drinks can aid in electrolyte balance.
We highly recomend to use your own gear for this course but if you do not have some of the personal equipment ask us, we can help you with it. Most of the personal equipment we have in our stock and we can provide it for you.
CLOTHING (WEATHER-APPROPRIATE LAYERS)
- Down Jacket with Hood: Insulated jacket for warmth during rest breaks or in extremely cold conditions. A hood provides added insulation.
- Hard Shell Jacket: Waterproof, windproof outer layer for protection against snow and wind.
- Gloves (Two Pairs): Insulated climbing gloves and a backup pair in case of wet or lost gloves.
- Mittens: Warm, insulated mittens for extreme cold or high-wind situations, to keep hands warm during breaks.
- Winter Hat: Insulating hat that covers ears, fits comfortably under a helmet, and retains heat in cold conditions.
- Storm Jacket (Membrane Type): Breathable waterproof jacket for protection against harsh weather while allowing moisture to escape.
- Storm Pants (Membrane Type): Waterproof, windproof pants to keep you dry and warm, especially in snowy or rainy weather.
- Base Layers (Top and Bottom): Moisture-wicking, insulating layers to wear next to the skin for warmth and dryness.
- Mid Layers: Fleece or synthetic insulated layer for warmth between base and outer shell layers.
- Light Gloves: Thin gloves for warmth and dexterity during less technical portions of the approach.
- Buff or Neck Gaiter: Versatile item to protect the neck and face from wind and cold.
The meeting location for Lead Ice Climbing Class depends of the climbing location.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Climb itinerary
- Guide fees
- Group equipment such as ropes, rock protection, quick draws, etc.
- Technical Personal gear ( see the Gear List )
- Human waste disposal bags
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Food during trip
- Park entrance fee ( if required )
- Transportation
- Personal gear ( see the gear list )
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Rescue Insurance
- Gratuity
- Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of American Mountain School
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FAQ
While prior experience in basic ice climbing is need, we’ll cover essential lead climbing techniques in detail, so no lead climbing experience is required.
Lead ice climbing requires a high level of fitness, as you’ll be managing your own gear placements and moving independently. Participants should have good endurance and upper body strength to handle the physical aspects of lead climbing.
Yes! You’ll get hands-on experience placing ice screws, managing rope systems, and making anchor points safely, with guidance on best practices for lead climbing
We provide all technical climbing gear, including ropes, ice screws, ice tools, and helmets. You’ll need to bring appropriate clothing, a 30-35L backpack, snacks, and hydration.
Participants must be at least 18 years old. Exceptions may be made for younger climbers with parental consent and prior climbing experience.
To ensure personalized instruction, we keep group sizes to 3-4 participants per instructor.
The routes are selected based on skill level and safety, generally ranging from moderate to challenging ice pitches, with route choices tailored to individual progress.
Start Your Class
Lead the Ice, Elevate Your Climb!
Prior ice climbing experience is required.
If our class days are not convenient for you and you want to take them privately, please text us via the contact form
