Basic InformationWhat to BringRecommended ReadingPricesBeginning IceIntermediate IceLeading on IceTwo Day Basic IceCustom Designed Ice CoursesSnow Climbing and Glacier Travel |
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ICE CLIMBING LESSONS - are taught in the cold months, December through March (depending upon conditions) in the Boulder area where naturally occuring ice formations are ideal for instruction and climbing under a wide variety of situations at all levels of difficulty. We also travel to other ice climbing areas.
We offer instruction for everyone, novice to advanced. Our beginning courses provide a solid foundation which has enabled many of our students to go on to successfully complete some of the most difficult and challenging climbs all over the world. We teach snow climbing and glacier travel in the Indian Peaks area May through October. We organize climbing trips to places such as the Alps. See our Climbing Trips page.
The following lessons are suggestions - other lessons can be designed to fit individual needs.
CLASSES - are either private or for small groups (2 or more students coming to us together) and can be scheduled at any time at your convenience. We maintain a low student to instructor ratio for better quality and safety control.
TIME AND PLACE - by arrangement, usually at 8 or 9 a.m.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE - is not required for beginning lessons. For more advanced instruction or guided climbs we expect students to be proficient in fundamental climbing techniques such as safety, knots, rope handling, belaying, and rappelling.
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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What to Bring
We provide all technical equipment including helmets, plastic boots, crampons, and ice tools. Students are encouraged to bring any of their own equipment they wish to use.
Required
Warm clothing equivalent to ski clothing such as:
Long underwear
Warm pants and shirt
Fleece jacket
Waterproof/breathable outer layer (Gore-Tex jacket and pants or the equivalent)
Warm hat and ear protector that can be worn beneath a helmet
Ice climbing or ski gloves
Warm socks
UV protective sunglasses or glacier goggles
Sunscreen
Water
Optional
Down or synthetic parka
Gaiters
Extra glove liners of fleece or wool
Snacks
Unbreakable thermos with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Camera and extra film
Lunch
Note: When climbing in Boulder Canyon we usually take a lunch break and drive to a coffee shop in nearby Nederland. When visiting other locations we bring our lunches.
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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Recommended Reading
Mountaineering the Freedom of the Hills by the Seattle Mountaineers
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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Prices
Prices are the same for rock climbing instruction, ice climbing instruction, and guided climbs. They are based upon full (8hr) or half (4hr) days. Half days are only scheduled in the immediate Boulder area.
| RATES FOR LOCAL AREA (IMMEDIATE BOULER AREA) | Full Day | Half Day |
| One Client: | $250 | $150 |
| Two Clients: | $150 each | $100 each |
| Three or More Clients: | $115 each | $80 each |
| RATES FOR OUTSIDE THE LOCAL AREA | ||
| One Client: | $300 | |
| Two Clients: | $200 each |
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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Beginning Ice
Full-day or half-day overview of fundamental ice climbing procedures. The use of crampons and hand tools for movement on steep ice is practiced. Ice conditions and safety procedures are discussed. Anchor placement is demonstrated.
A good introductory experience providing a taste of the sport.
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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Intermediate Ice
Full-day or half-day lesson for those with some ice climbing experience.
Practice climbing and skills training under the close supervision of an experienced instructor is a quick way to improve your ice climbing ability.
We structure each lesson to suit the ability and goals of each student with emphasis upon more challenging climbs. Vertical ice, thin ice, mixed ice, and dry-tooling are some of the topics covered.
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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Leading on Ice
Full-day or half-day lessons for solid intermediate ice climbers who want to develop the specific skills needed for leading ice climbs. We emphasize efficient movement and energy conservation, choosing a route, and estimating ice conditions. Various types of protection devices will be demonstrated and practiced, including ice screws, hooks, pound-ins, and v-threads. Students will practice placing anchors. With a top-rope for safety, students will "lead" pitches while placing their own protection. The instructor will second these pitches and remove the screws, evaluating the placements.
Do your first ice lead under the close supervision of an instructor. Ideal as a follow-up to our two day basic ice course.
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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Two Day Basic Ice
This complete course for beginners is an excellent first step towards becoming an accomplished ice climber. Two full-days of instruction and practice climbing familiarize students with the fundamental techniques of steep ice climbing.
Basic ice climbing topics are covered including techniques for efficient crampon and tool use, footwork, anchor placement, energy conservation, mental preparedness, and gear selection. Students will climb second on ice of varying degrees of steepness in a variety of conditions.
Special exercises will be used to help facilitate rapid progress.
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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Custom Designed Ice Courses
Build your own course with any combination of lessons and climbs. Any number of full days or half days with instruction or guided climbs to gain ice climbing experience is possible. Course can be taught in the Boulder area, or in other areas such as Ouray or Summit County. It can involve climbs in multiple areas, even multiple countries. Your imagination is the only limit.
A possibility would be to take two days of basic instruction in Boulder Canyon followed by a road trip that would go to Vail, Telluride, and Ouray.
Another idea might be a "classic ice climbs of Colorado" trip that hits all the high points of several famous climbing areas. The choice is yours.
For more information email bob@bobculp.com or call Boulder Mountaineering (303) 444 -2470.
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Snow Climbing and Glacier Travel
Full-day lesson in the Indian Peaks range where you will learn to travel on snow by kicking steps, cramponing, and step-cutting. Practice self-arrests, glissading, and belaying on snow fields. Learn how to set up belay anchors and rappel anchors on snow.
Learn to use the ice axe for general mountain climbing and descending.
Crevasse hazards and rescue will be demonstrated.
These techniques are basic for all mountaineers and should be a part of your climbing skills. A day on the snowfields can provide you with invaluable skills.