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Climb Details

Cost:
Length:
Difficulty:
Type:

$395*
2 day(s)
Level 1 difficulty 
Ice Climbing


* +3% land use surcharge

Availability

Please call for program dates.

Upcoming Climbs


Ice Climbing This is the program we recommend for first time climbers. These courses take place in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, home to some of the best ice climbing in the lower 48. Our 2 Day Intro to Ice Climbing is the best way to become a proficient ice climber in a short period of time. Our guides will work with you over these two days with the goals of creating a confident and safe climber. We offer low client-to-guide ratios on this course (3:1) to make certain that you receive the most personalized instruction available to aid in your progression as an aspiring ice climber. We begin on low angled terrain and venture onto steeper terrain as climbers' comfort levels increase. Instruction will focus on standard ice climbing equipment and its use, proper technique (body positioning, footwork, tool placement), and belaying and rappelling for ice climbers.

Climber to Guide Ratio: 3 to 1

 

Intro to Ice Climbing Equipment List

Whittaker Mountaineering

The following is a list of required equipment. We may encounter a variety of weather conditions throughout our climb, including rain, wind, snow, sleet and extreme heat. Skimping on equipment can jeopardize your safety and success, so we want you to think carefully about any changes or substitutions you are considering. If you have questions regarding the equipment needed for your upcoming climb, give us a call and speak directly to one of our experienced guides.

Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from our affiliate Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI climbers receive a 10% discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering. This offer excludes sale items. For internet orders, please use the discount code RMI 2012.

Go To Reserve Rentals - Whittaker Mountaineering

Pack & Bag Guides' Pick

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DAY PACK: A 55+ liter pack is the recommended size for this climb.

 
Black Diamond Speed 55

Technical Gear

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2 ICE TOOLS: Technical leashless ice tools. Because of the wide variety of ice tools on the market and the difficulty in determining what to buy, we recommend trying out a variety of ice tools during the course to see what works best for you. Southwest Adventure Guides have ice tools available for rent in Ouray and Durango.


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CLIMBING HARNESS: Adjustable leg loops are essential.

 
Black Diamond Blizzard
 
Petzl Tetrax

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CRAMPONS: A waterfall ice oriented, step in crampon works best. Southwest Adventure Guides have crampons available for rent in Ouray and Durango.

 
Petzl M10

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BELAY / RAPPEL DEVICE: An ATC type device or similar.


Head Guides' Pick

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WARM HAT: Wool or synthetic. It should be warm and thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.


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GLACIER GLASSES: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses.


Hands Guides' Pick

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MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVE: Wind/water resistant insulated mountain gloves.


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HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVE: Wind/water resistant, insulated gloves for protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove.

 
Black Diamond Guide Glove

Upper Body Guides' Pick

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LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top will be used as your base layer. Zip-neck styles will allow for better temperature regulation.


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SOFT SHELL LAYER: A windproof, water-resistant and highly breathable layer.


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INSULATED PARKA with HOOD: Down or synthetic filled, it should fit over all of your clothing layers but does not need to be expedition weight.


Lower Body Guides' Pick

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CLIMBING PANT: Synthetic climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them alone on hot days, or in combination with the base layer on cold days. The thickness (insulation quality) should be based on how well you do in the cold.


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HARD SHELL PANT: A pant made of breathable rain and wind-proof material will be needed. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons in cold, inclement weather.


Feet Guides' Pick

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MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: Crampon compatible, insulated leather boots are the footwear of choice for ice climbing. Plastic boots can work as well.


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GAITERS: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampons on loose clothing.


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2 PAIR SOCKS: Either wool or synthetic. Some people find liner socks useful for reducing friction.


Miscellaneous Items Guides' Pick

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MEALS: See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.


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2 WATER BOTTLES: One-quart water bottles are required. Wide mouth bottles are ideal since their opening is less likely to freeze.


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2 INSULATED WATER BOTTLE COVERS: These help prevent liquids from freezing. It should completely cover the bottle.


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CAMERA


Optional Items

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THERMOS


Provided Equipment

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RMI provides in affiliation with Southwest Adventure Guides (SWAG) the following: guide leadership and instruction, group climbing equipment (ropes, etc.).  The following may be reserved with SWAG: harness, helmet, belay/rappel device and all ice climbing gear (boots, crampons, tools, etc.).  If needed, please email info@swaguides.com.

Every guide on your program will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Guides have cell phones for emergency contact.


Pre-Trip Checklist

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Purchase travel insurance.


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Return the Participant Information Form to the RMI Office.


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Arrange Lodging in Ouray.


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Purchase airplane tickets.


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Arrange Transportation to Ouray.


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Reserve rental equipment.


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