Learn to Ice climb...?

[amber10_79]

Ok, I'm farmiliar with rock climbing; been doing that for a few years. What I'd really like to do now is to learn to ICE CLIMB!! I don't know where to go, who to talk to, what equiptment I'll need...someone help me!!!! It looks like a sport I could really get into, if I could just figure out HOW!!! ANY advice would be appreciated -Amber

[denalidave]

Although I have not done an extensive amount of ice climbing, when I first made the transition from rock climbing I also felt like I had to learn a whole new sport. However, once I strapped on some crampons and grab some axes, it was very similar to rock climbing... Only you have a hold just about anyplace. Only advice I have is DONT FALL! Hope that helps. I'm sure this is a great place to find someone to get you started. Just find someone who has a lot of experience and go from there.

[sampdx]

I'd say if you're just beginning and you don't know anyone who can take you out, don't let that stop you. Try Chicks with Picks in Colorado, or Yamnuska in Alberta. Also, buy a few books and read up. I liked Will Gadd's book - can't remember the name of it right now, though.

[Jason_Martin]

Definately go out with a reputable guide or guide service.

 

Some good places to look might be:

 

Ouray, CO

Lee Vining, CA

Banff, Alberta

 

These three locations are all popular venues for beginning level ice climbers.

 

Jason

[high_on_rock]

When the ice starts coming in, come meet me in Wenathcee and I will show you the basics and set you up a top rope. You can play for the day and see if you like it. PM me in a about a month if you are interested.

[selkirk]

A few folks on hear also go Drytooling out in Issaquah on occasion. Kind of like ice climbing without the ice But it can get you comofortable on crampons and tools, not to mention it's close enough to do after work weather permitting.

[DRep]

I hope you like to suffer! ice climbing is kinda a masacistic desire. You're cold all the time, get the screamin barfies, get hurt if you fall (just found that out yesterday), get hit by falling ice, and did I mention you get cold. Just be careful when you're learning, it is totally different from rock.

[cheamclimber]

I tried some drytooling yesterday by myself and on my first dry tool attempt ever I did a backflip off the cliff from about 10ft up...luckily I was fine but my advice for you is...learn from someone who knows what they're doing because it is very different from rock climbing.

[amber10_79]

Wow, thank you to everyone for the responses! I work in retail, so I can't really afford (money or time) to run off to cali or CO...so it's nice to know there are some local areas to learn the basics! Hopefully, I find some one thats knowledgeable and willing to teach me =)

[fenderfour]

The problem is the lack of local ice. Sure, you can find some stuff here and there, but it usually requires dropping everything and running for it when it's in.

 

The place where most beginners get started is on the lower Coleman Glacier on Mt. Baker. Glacial ice is a lot more forgiving than thinly formed water ice. There ae a few places on rainier to access seracs and set topropes. I've never climbed there.

 

There are still places to get WI in WA. Leavenworth, Snoqualmie Pass, Banks Lake, and some areas in the Columbia River area come to mind.

 

Thats a lot of "where" and no "who". I'm pretty sure that Jason Martin is a guide. There are also plenty of people around here who wnat to climb. Keep an eye on the Partners forum, maybe even drop a post there.

 

 

[Sherri]

I just ran into Jason Martin at Red Rock a few weeks ago. He mentioned that he is a guide for American Alpine Institute, I believe, and posts here under his own name(check the "user list" under the Quicklinks tab). I remember him mentioning doing guiding for ice climbing around here, too.

 

Seemed friendly and knowledgable.