2021/2022 Ice Climbing Seminars

Crux pitch of Stairway to Heaven in Eureka, CO. Movement patterns, footwork, gear organization, clothing choices, rope selection, multi-pitch systems, and terrain management are all at work to make this an enjoyable climb. Seminars are designed to b…

Crux pitch of Stairway to Heaven in Eureka, CO. Movement patterns, footwork, gear organization, clothing choices, rope selection, multi-pitch systems, and terrain management are all at work to make this an enjoyable climb. Seminars are designed to break each of these topics down into smaller pieces that can be easily learned, and then practiced in a real-world setting. This intensive format is the best way to quickly improve whole skill sets and realize quantifiable gains in your ability.

 

Intensive Ice Climbing Seminars

This coming season I will be offering a limited number of open enrollment ice climbing seminars. This is the fruition of many years of feedback from ice fest clinic participants who want that type of instruction in a longer and lower ratio format. Over the last 20 years of teaching all facets of ice climbing, I have developed my own unique approach to learning movement and technical systems. I am excited to be able to share this with a broader audience of focused climbers.

All seminars will be taught in person by IFMGA Mountain Guide - Clint Cook. We will utilize mainly the Ouray Ice Park, and some backcountry locations for advanced seminars.

Basic Movement and Anchoring for Ice Climbing - Seminar

2 days. $480. Maximum 4 climbers per seminar.
Dates: December 30 and 31, 2021 (Thurs / Fri.)
January 15 and 16, 2022 (Sat / Sun.)
Learn the fundamentals of the sport the right way, the first time. This course is designed for existing rock and alpine climbers who are looking to add waterfall ice to their repertoire of skills. Don’t mess around winging and scratching till you figure it out. Let me show you the proper techniques and utilize focused development drills to steepen your learning curve. Most participants should feel comfortable top-roping in style in the Ouray Ice Park and some backcountry locations on their own after this course. Topics include: Movement techniques for up to WI4+, Belay systems for top-rope ice climbing, Top-rope anchoring systems for the ice park and backcountry, personal management skills (equipment, layering systems, nutrition …)

Learn to Lead I: Techniques for Single Pitch Ice
$690.00

3 days, $690. Maximum 4 climbers per seminar.
Dates: January 7, 8, and 9, 2022 (Fri. - Sun.)

Efficient leading on ice is rooted in solid movement, simple anchors and technical systems, terrain assessment, and well executed transitions. Nothing is worse than having cold hands on a pitch that is steeper than you thought while you fumble for the proper screw and your feet are skating around. Review foundational movement strategies, learn ice screw placement, single rope techniques for up and down, v-threads, protection systems, micro route finding, organizational skills, elegant transitions, and way more. Designed after 20+ years experience teaching ice climbers and ice guides. Learn the right way, the first time.

Learn to Lead II: Advanced Strategies for Multi-Pitch Ice
$690.00

3 days, $690. Maximum 4 climbers per seminar.
Dates: February 1, 2, and 3 (Tues. - Thurs.)

This advanced seminar builds on the skills learned in Lead I to develop the additional skills required for proficiency on multi-pitch backcountry ice routes. Especially useful for aspiring alpine guides who want to bring their ice skills up to a more professional standard. Topics include: Fixed Point Lead Belay, Half and Twin rope systems for ice, using a tag line for rappelling, advanced ice screw anchors (bowline point, quad rig, fast alpine anchors), rope management and transitions for swinging or blocking leads, multi-pitch rappelling strategies for fixed anchors and v-threads, self rescue techniques, terrain assessment for big routes.

Steep Camp: Advanced Movement for Difficult Ice Climbs
$470.00

2 days, $470. Maximum 4 climbers per seminar.
Dates: January 27 and 28, 2022 (Thus./Fri.)

Develop new techniques for steep and challenging ice. Routes up to WI4+ in difficulty can often be climbed utilizing repetitive movement patterns like the “ice robot” of “grade 4 three-step”. As the terrain steepens and becomes less uniform, we must adapt our movement to a more free-form while still maintaining core principles of stability and center-of-gravity. Linking stems, hip rotation, flags, back-steps, tool-matching, and old fashioned triangles is what makes WI 5 and above such a joy to climb. Finding the rests, managing the pump, and breaking down big pitches into manageable sections is what turns terrifying and dangerous pitches into elegant freeform dances on the most ephemeral features on earth. Find your style, crush steep ice. It’s that simple.