Steep Ice & Mixed Climbing Seminar
Steep Ice &
Mixed Climbing Seminar
$549 Per Person
Advanced
Ouray, Colorado
2-Days (16 hours)
Are you getting all the performance you can out of your ice tools?
The Steep Ice and Mix Climbing Seminar is the next step of our Ice Climbing School series, focusing on building more technical movement skills for ice climbing so you can going bigger in the mountains.
This program slpits each day into focused sessions. Day one focuses on steep ice movement to WI4+/WI5, which usually also covers pillar climbing. The intent is to move climbers away from the stable triangle position and into more intuitive tensioned climbing, similar to what you experience while rock climbing.
Day two leans into the tension-building concepts of day one while offering opportunities to drytool and mixed-climb on rock. This engaging type of climbing will help you learn the movements needed to be a great partner on classic routes in the area, such as Bird Brain Boulevard, The Tailsman, and many more classics on CampBird Road.
-
The Steep Ice and Mix Climbing Seminar is the next step of our Ice Climbing School series, focusing on building more technical movement skills for ice climbing so you can going bigger in the mountains.
This program slpits each day into focused sessions. Day one focuses on steep ice movement to WI4+/WI5, which usually also covers pillar climbing. The intent is to move climbers away from the stable triangle position and into more intuitive tensioned climbing, similar to what you experience while rock climbing.
Day two leans into the tension-building concepts of day one while offering opportunities to drytool and mixed-climb on rock. This engaging type of climbing will help you learn the movements needed to be a great partner on classic routes in the area, such as Bird Brain Boulevard, The Tailsman, and many more classics on CampBird Road.
This seminar takes place over two eight-hour days in the Ouray Ice Park.
We will discuss the gear used in Mixed climbing and Drytooling, including similarities and differences to ice climbing.
Our skills will develop and be practiced on the wall, with real-time feedback to help each guest refine their skills.
-
Mixed Masters 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- 5:00 pm
Program Overview Session at Cafe
Equipment Session for Steep Ice Climbing
Move To Ice Park
Warm-up Drills
Teach Movement Skills for Footwork and Tool
Practice
Day 2 – 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Crampon and Axe Sharpening practice
Move to Ice Park
Stein Pulls and Tool Leveraging Practice
Practice
Steep Tooling First & Second Position Considerations
Practice
Group Dinner In Town
-
FOOTWEAR
+Mountain Boots
+Socks
UPPER LAYERS
+Synthetic T-shirt
+Active Climbing Insulated Jacket
BOTTOM LAYERS
+Softshell Pant
BACKPACKS
+35-45 L Ice Crag Pack
ACCESSORIES
+Sunglasses, Utu Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Sun Hat
+Nalgene, Minimum 1.5L
+Climbing Snacks: 100 calories an hour!
+ Buff
+Climbing GlovesLight, Insulated
EQUIPMENT
Bringing any personal climbing gear you have from the above list is encouraged, group gear can be provided by Smile Mountain Guides.
-
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 STEEP ICE & MIXED CLIMBING SEMINAR
Technical Experience
Our Seminar requires fundamental belaying skills.
Prior ice climbing experience and familiarity with ice axes are also required.
Fitness
General climbing fitness is required and an ability to climb two days in a row. Mixed 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
STEEP ICE & MIXED SEMINAR
The answers to our most commonly asked questions about our Seminar.
-
-
Smile’s Ouray courses and seminars have a maximum 4:1 ratio.
-
Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.