This course will be taught by an ACMG certified guide though the Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures (MSAA). MSAA is offering us a special price, just for BCMC members, of $150 + GST (regular price for non-members: $195). Please read the SIGN UP PROCEDURES below carefully and be sure to follow all the steps.

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS

This course will run with a minimum of 4 participants, up to a maximum of 8 participants. In the event that fewer than 4 participants sign up, outstanding participants will be offered a refund, rebooking for another date, or additonal spots will be opened up to the public.

OVERVIEW

The course is intended for members with previous ice climbing experience (leading or top rope) who want to take their climbing to the next level. Mixed climbing is a combination of rock and ice climbing whereby the climber uses their hands, axes, and crampons to climb unique lines through steep terrain in winter. Mixed climbing is an essential skill for alpine climbing, or can just be a fun and exciting single-pitch hobby! 

This course is a customized course just for BCMC. Participants can expect the curriculum to largely follow the description here: https://www.mountainskillsacademy.com/courses/intro-to-mixed-ice-climbing-whistler-squamish/. 

PREREQUISITES

This course is ideal for those who have some previous ice climbing experience, whether it by top-roping or leading ice. Basic ice climbing techniques (how to swing an axe, how to plant front points, basic body positioning) are essential for success in this course. Participants will also be expected to demonstrate competency in top rope belaying.

OTHER SKILLS

This course is perfectly paired with the Intro to Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing course (click here) on January 22, so you are encouraged to sign up for both! 

LOGISTICS

The exact location of this course will largely depend on ice conditions at the time, but typically takes place in Lillooet, BC or Marble Canyon (~50km  NE of Lillooet). Carpooling is encouraged, so please use the Planning Forum to organize carpooling.

GEAR

Participants are responsible for their own personal gear, including harness, climbing helmet, belay device, ice tools, mountaineering boots (fully rigid, double plastic preferred), and crampons (specific to ice climbing preferred). Be sure to also bring clothing appropriate for the weather, food, water, and other typical cold-weather day-pack items. Multiple pairs of gloves (2-4) are encouraged.

BCMC has two pairs of ice tools for rent for $5 per day per tool. Information can be found here: https://bcmc.ca/club_equipment.php

Other equipment (e.g. mountaineering boots, harnesses, crampons) can be rented from MEC, Escape Route, or Climb On in Squamish. Be sure to call and reserve in advance. If you're having trouble finding gear, please contact the BCMC Courses & Camps Chair (Marlaina Rhymer) at bcmc.courses@gmail.com, or contact MSAA directly at info@mountainskillsacademy.com

MSAA will provide group gear including anchor materials and ropes, but participants are encouraged to also bring their own if they want to practice on their own gear. 

SIGN-UP PROCEDURES (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!)

To sign up for this course, follow these steps:

(1) Sign up for this course in the BCMC website by clicking "Join this Trip" on the left hand side of this page. You will automatically be added to the Request List

(2) Answer the trip planning questions when prompted. Once the trip organizer has reviewed your answers, you will be added to the Waiting List (can take up to 48 hours). An email will be sent to you once you have been moved to the Waiting List, and your name will show up in YELLOW below

(3) Once on the Waiting List, you will have access to the payment link - see under "Course Online Payment" on the left hand side of the page. Follow the link and complete your payment directly with MSAA

(4) Once your payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from MSAA. Please forward your confirmation email to bcmc.courses@gmail.com, then you will be added to the Confirmed List

(5) Keep an eye on your inbox for future updates and details on logistics