LEARN TO LEAD: ICE CLIMBING – 3 days

This three-day course will teach you the skills to lead climb on ice. We will first review the basic techniques of ice climbing at your level, and then will quickly move into getting you ready to put up the rope. We will cover placing ice screws, efficient movement skills, building anchors, rappelling, and assessing the safety of the ice. By the end of this course you will be ready to ice climb on your own with a partner!
The first day will be devoted to ice climbing fundamentals. We will practice on a beginner single-pitch icefall, such as the 'Pylône' near the village of Les Fréaux. We will review the basics of climbing techniques (how to use ice axes, crampons and icescrews), as well as manipulations at the belay and rappelling techniques. We will also observe and assess the current conditions of the icefall.

Day 2 : We will put our knowledge into practice on multi-pitch icefalls. If the students are ready, they will either climb a "mock" lead, or a real lead climb.
The choice of icefalls will depend on the level and experience of the participants and on the current conditions.

Day 3 : The third and final day will be the culmination of the skills covered during the first two days. We will climb another multi-pitch ice climb near La Grave.
The choice of icefalls will depend on the level and experience of the participants and on the current conditions.

Maximum age: 77 years

Minimum age: 16 years