Steep Ice Climbing Clinic

4:1 Guide/Participant Ratio

2 day clinic

Take your ice climbing to the next level in the Canadian Rockies. This intermediate ice climbing clinic is designed for climbers with some experience who want to refine technique, strengthen protection skills, and build confidence on steeper, more challenging terrain. You’ll learn advanced movement, anchor systems, and lead climbing strategy to climb frozen waterfalls safely and efficiently.

What you’ll learn

• Smooth, efficient movement on steep ice: refining technique, conserving energy, and climbing with precision on vertical terrain.

• Ice screw placement & protection strategy: how to place screws confidently, evaluate ice quality, and safely protect an ice climb.

• Belayer position & ground anchoring: managing the belay effectively on steep ice, including when and how to anchor the belayer.

• Anchor building: constructing strong, reliable anchors for both top-rope and multipitch situations.

• Rappelling: safe, efficient descent techniques in an ice climbing environment.

• Lead climbing strategy: decision-making, terrain reading, mental management, and best practices for leading securely on ice.

Why this clinic is for you

•  Expert instruction from guides who live and breathe ice climbing

•  Smaller 4:1 ratio for increased one-on-one time with your guide

•  A supportive, performance-focused learning environment designed to enable participants to push their climbing standards under the supervision of an experienced professional

•  A pathway into the broader world of ice and alpine climbing — walk away with real skills, real confidence, and a clear next step

Prerequisites

This intensive 2-day intermediate ice climbing clinic is designed for climbers ready to move beyond the basics. Participants should have moderate ice climbing fitness, be familiar with top-rope systems, and confidently climb WI3 while giving a safe top-rope belay.

Meeting time & location

We’ll meet at Beamer’s Coffee in Canmore at 7:30 a.m. on day 1. Meeting details for day 2 will be confirmed at the end of day 1.

Climb and learn from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Ice climbing venues may vary depending on weather and conditions, ensuring the best experience and safest climbing environment.

Transportation

Not included. Our climbing venues are not accessible by public transit, so participants must arrive by personal vehicle.

Park passes

Not included. Each participant is responsible for obtaining the appropriate provincial or national parks pass.

Gear and Clothing

All technical climbing equipment, with the exception of mountaineering boots, is included in your course fee. Boots can be rented from Gear-Up Sports in Canmore

Required gear not included in your course fee is listed below.

• Wool or synthetic top and bottom base layers

• Warm puffy jacket

• Waterproof jacket 

• Gloves (2+ pairs recommended)

• Winter hat

• Sunglasses

• Mountaineering boots compatible with crampons (rentals are available from Gear-Up Sports in Canmore)

• Day-pack

• Water

• Snacks/lunch

If you are unable to locate any of the items listed above feel free to contact us, and we will do our best to provide these items for you.

A minimum of 2 participants is required in order for this course to run.