Wye Creek Ice Climbing – 14th – 19th August

The course will be conducted “expedition style” and will make use of the reliable water ice climbing features of the North Wye Valley. Along with learning safe and efficient multi pitch lead climbing skills, the candidates will learn essential skills in the winter environment. This will include back country travel, winter camping and how to prevent cold injury through good food and liquid intake along with personal maintenance.

Candidates could then reasonably be able to travel to Canada or Europe for water ice climbing with confidence as well as taking on steeper snow and ice climbs closer to home, in the southern alps. This deep winter training experience will also help with future trips to altitude, where colder temperatures are expected.

• Leading on water ice formations.
• Ice screw anchor building.
• Single and Multi pitch rope work.
• Multi pitch rappels using V-threads.
• Cold injury management and prevention.
• Winter Bivi’s for multi day trips.
• Route finding and selection, in a winter alpine environment.
• Emergency procedures to manage a crises.
• Discussion on student aspirations post course will be conducted during the long nights over hot food.

Pre- requisites: This course will suit participants who are confident leaders on rock (sport or trad).  A good level of fitness and experience with multi day mountaineering/winter tramping using crampons and ice axe will be required.

Gear List: It is essential that you have the all of the correct equipment for this trip. Boots will be checked before the trip commences, more information on equipment will be given by your instructor.

Ice climbing gear list

Cost: $1000 includes 6 days of instruction and camping in Wye Creek. Some food and equipment will be flown in by helicopter. Food and accommodation before and after the course not included.

Dates: 14/08/23 – 19/08/23. This course will take place straight after the mixed rock and ice festival at the Remarkables. Meeting in the Frankton area on the Monday, walk in to Wye Creek, stay for 5 nights, walk out on the Saturday 19/08/23. Dates are flexible based on the weather and course may be cut short if necessary.

Course full? Sign up to the Waiting List and you will be notified if there are drop outs.