An intensive ice climbing course in the Dolomites for rock climbers (no ice climbing experience is required). In small groups we will teach you everything you need to know to lead climb on ice!
Timetable:
Day 1: Meeting point at 5pm at our hotel in the valley, introduction talk, equipment handover, eventually introduction to various knots.
Day 2: First ice climbing day. Depending on condition in the Tannheimertal or on our way to the Hotel in South Tirol (Italy). Introduction to using ice axes and crampons in easy terrain.
Day 3: Technique improvement- The entire day will be dedicated to learn how to climb ice properly in varied techniques. At some stage we will get into placing and “cleaning” of ice screws, preparation of gear, building belay stances in ice for top-rope and rappelling. Video analysis.
Day 4: Pseudo lead climbing day and technique improvement- we put into good practice what you have learned the days before and in addition, we keep on working on climbing techniques - how to climb efficiently and economical, how to pass an ice bulge, how to traverse in ice and to move a bit faster while climbing- just to name a few examples. In parallel we will get into lead climbing while at first as a pseudo lead and later- on the option to lead the same icefall if you feel ready. Video analysis.
Day 5: Lead climbing in ice single pitch. Step by step- we will warm up on top-rope, get our confident and try to end the day when everyone was leading an icefall while placing screws.
Day 6: Under the supervision of the guide you are going to lead-climb all day long, while building rappel stances and being self-sufficient. The activity will end at the late afternoon.