***COVID19 Guidelines Compliance:  Participants MUST read and comply with BCMC Guidelines attached in the Trip Planning Forum, confirm both at time of sign up, and day of event  - they have completed the  BC Covid-19 Symptom Self Assessment Tool questionnaire at time of registration. ***

 Mandatory COVID 19 Symptom Self Assessment Tool : https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en

Once complete, email screen shot to organizer. 

This course is taught by Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures by a professional ACMG certified guide. MSAA is offering a special price for BCMC members of $339.15 + GST (regular price for non-members: $399 + GST). 

Develop your "Ice Climbing Skills" with the Sea to Sky's leading mountain school. Obtain the complete required skill set & implementation through expert certified guides and our carefully crafted curriculum. Est. 1991 - Trip Advisor; Hall of Fame status,  beloved and trusted by BCMC members!

Course Details:

This comprehensive two day ice climbing course focuses on providing students with a safe and reliable ice climbing system that promotes fast progression. Utilizing the latest in modern equipment, techniques and instruction, critical lessons include hazard management, climbing commands, ice terminology, route selection, ice grades, and more.

Day 1 will cover our 10 lesson plan. Day 2 we will focus on fine-tuning ice climbing technique, critical skills are covered including placing and removing ice screws, building reliable anchors, making and assessing v-thread anchors, rappelling on ice, rope handling, leading ice (with mock lead safety) and setting up top-ropes.

To prepare climbers to safely venture on their own additional skills include avalanche & weather forecast, determining proper route choice, using guidebooks, other equipment needs, how to best rack up, and more.

By the end of the weekend you will not only have had an incredible two days but you will be ready to head out on your own and take on some of the world’s best routes right here in the Coast Mountain Range.

Itinerary:

**Please note that day 1 of this course will be held on Blackcomb mountain and you will either need to purchase a Backcountry Pass through MSAA for $59.00 or pose a season/edge card. 

Day 1: Will start at 8:00am at the Mountain Skills Academy Office and finish around 4:30pm.

The guide will get everyone to sign a waiver before having a safety discussion and getting everyone to perform a gear check. Day 1 will be located on Blackcomb mountain which requires access via the gondola. A pass can be purchased through MSAA at checkout.

To climb on Blackcomb you must be at least an intermediate skier or snowboarder to access the climbing site.The guide will also choose the location and give an overview of the day's objectives. The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with short debrief.

Day 2: The location for day 2 will be discussed on Day 1 with your guide. Possible locations possible include: Duffey Lakes, Whistler Valley or Blackcomb Mountain depending on conditions and student ability.

The guide will review what was covered on Day 1 and give an overview of the day's objectives. The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a course debrief and what the next steps will be.

Gear List:

Individual Equipment:

• Mountaineering, Ski or snowboard boots

• 2 technical ice axes

• Crampons

• Helmet

• Harness

• Belay Device

• Water, lunch & snacks

• Sunscreen

Clothing

• Warm socks (wool/synthetic recommended)

• Insulating jacket (down or similar)

• Shell jacket (Gore-tex or similar)

Topics Covered:

Day 1:

•Equipment

•Environment & onsite safety

• Crampons

• Ice & tools

• Ice movement, stability, stance and balance

• Knots

• Belaying, rope management, commands and safety systems for top rope climbing

Day 2:

• Evaluate Weather & CAA Avalanche Forecast

• Ice screws, protection placement stances, v-threads, bolted anchors, screamer draws, v-thread hooking tool, screw quick clips

• Rappelling system

• How to best rack up and prepare for lead climbing

• Mock leads

• Cleaning ice screws

Payment:

On-line Registration process:

(1) Click “Join this trip” on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Waiting List

(2) Once on the Waiting List you will have access to the Course Online Payment on the left side of the page where you will find the promo code. Complete your payment directly with MSAA HERE using the promo code. Be sure to select the right date in the drop down menu. You will receive a confirmation email from MSAA once your payment is completed.

(3) Forward your confirmation email to courses@bcmc.ca. You will then be added to the Confirmed List.

(4) Keep an eye on your email for further logistic details.

Please use the BCMC covid guidline for transporation. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact MSAA at +1 (604) 938-9242 or Oudi at courses@bcmc.ca.