Smile’s Backcounty Ice Leaders Seminar
Backcountry Ice Leaders
Seminar
$750 Per Person
Advanced
Ouray, Colorado
3-Days (24 hours)
The mountains are calling—are you ready to answer?
Smile’s Ice Leaders Seminar equips climbers with the skills, techniques, and knowledge to lead on ice, unlocking new possibilities for mountain adventures and adding an exciting dimension to your climbing repertoire.
This three-day course focuses on everything you need to confidently tackle multi-pitch ice climbs. While live leading during the seminar is not guaranteed and is based on each person’s unique ability, you can book additional days to put your new skills into practice under expert guidance. Step up, gear up, and get ready to lead the way.
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Smile's Ice Leaders Seminar introduces and pushes climbers to learn the techniques and art behind leading on ice which can open doors to bigger mountain adventures or add a new fun style to the climbing kit.
We focus on all skills needed to lead multi-pitch ice.
This seminar takes place over two eight-hour days in the Ouray Ice Park and one eight-hour day on a backcountry objective around town.
Our skills will be developed and practiced on the wall, with real-time feedback to help each guest refine their skills.
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Ice Leaders Seminar Itinerary –
Topics are broken down into teaching sessions and may be taught in a slightly different order.
Pre-Group Google Meet and Before Seminar Start -
Our team will link everyone together via Google Meet at a pre-determined time. Discussions will center around the seminar, answering any guest questions, providing clarity on gear, and explaining what to expect when you arrive in town.
In Town Meet Up -
Guides will meet with guests in town, before the day one program start date to grab boots at Ouray Mountain Sports.
Day 1 – 7:30 am- 4:00 pm
Program Overview Session at Cafe
Equipment Session for Ice Climbing
Move To Ice Park
Movement Warm-Ups focusing on the leaders’ mindset
Fundamental for reading ice and placing screws
Lead Practice
Anchoring and Threads
Day 2 – 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
Crampon and Axe Sharpening practice
Move to Ice Park
Multi-Pitch Belay Station Management topic
Practice
Multi-Pitch Descending topic, which includes rappelling
Practice
Day 3 – 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
Breakfast in Town
Carpool to Backcountry Ice route
Group Dinner In Town
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Best Places to Stay:
Great pricing, friendly service and you can have a whole house suite.
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs
Great atmosphere and hot springs located just off the main street close to the Ouray Ice Park.
Cafes and Restaurants:
The best pastry and cafe spot in town!
High-end western Americana dining with a good wine selection.
Need a good burger or sandwich? Here you go!
Artisan Pizza
Local pub sporting a great small-town atmosphere and no-fuss beer selection.
PREPARATION FOR THE ICE LEADERS SEMINAR
Technical Experience
Our Ice Leaders Seminar requires fundamental belaying skills and familiarity with ice axes and crampons. Lead climbing experience is also needed, however, prior ice lead experience is not.
Fitness
General climbing fitness is required and an ability to climb two days in a row. Ice climbing is a physical style of climbing that requires controlled and static body movement. Any training with this style in mind, prior to the seminar will be helpful.
FAQ’s
Backcountry Ice Leaders Seminar
The answers to our most commonly asked questions about our Ice Leaders Seminar.
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Smile’s Ouray courses and seminars have a maximum 4:1 ratio.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.