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 $300 + GST (regular price for non-members: $395). 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 no previous ice climbing experience. This is a great course for rock climbers and mountaineers looking to develop basic ice climbing skills, or folks who just want to gain the basics of ice climbing. A more detailed course description including equipment list, itinerary and curriculum can be found here: https://www.mountainskillsacademy.com/courses/intro-to-ice-climbing-whistler-squamish/.

PREREQUISITES

None. Top rope belaying skills and previous rock climbing experience are considered assets, but not required.

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). If the weather stays cold as it has been lately, then we might climb in Whistler or even Squamish! 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 Waiting List

(2) Once on the Waiting List, you will receive a "payment request" email from MSAA with a direct link to their booking system where you can securely complete your payment. This might take up to 48 hours so be patient on this one :)

(3) 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

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