Ice Climbing Experience (ICE)
The 5-day Ice Climbing Experience (ICE) course is an introduction to steep water ice climbing. The Ice Climbing Experience is ideal for climbers new to the alpine environment, and for those with previous mountaineering experience.
Objectives - Climbing Technique and Awareness
The ICE course focuses on technical water ice climbing. The course balances technical instruction, and practical climbing. Because of the serious location the syllabus also includes topics like mountain weather, avalanche forecasting, and winter survival skills.
You can expect to climb water-ice graded from 2-4. Some of these routes will be multi-pitch (dependent on ice conditions).
Ice Climbing Course Venue
The main venue for the ICE course is Bush Stream, approximately 14 kilometres from Mt Cook Village. The location features at least 18 named ice routes graded from Water Ice 2, to Water Ice 5.
ICE instruction topics include:
- Trip planning and preparation
- Use of technical ice tools
- Ice Climbing (and climbing on snow)
- Knots and hitches
- Mountain weather and forecasting
- Belay techniques and systems
- Ice, snow, and rock anchors
- Abseiling & rope techniques
Experience required:
- High level of fitness
- Rock climbing or abseiling/rope-handling skills
- Able to climb & camp in COLD conditions
- Previous mountaineering experience not required
| Course | Dates |
|---|---|
| ICE 1 | July 12-16 |
| ICE 2 | July 26-30 |
Courses run Monday - Friday
Check for available spaces ››
See Jem Richards' image gallery from his ICE course in July 2004 ››
2010 Course Details
Price = NZ$2250 per person
5-day course price includes:
All meals and snacks, aircraft access, accommodation, local transport, use of technical equipment, Alpine Guides Technical Manual.
Download Full Details Here (Adobe.pdf format)
Ice Climbing Experience (680 Kb)
Pre-trip Information notes (700 Kb)
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Winter Course Options
Backcountry Avalanche Course | Ice Climbing Experience | Ski Mountaineering Course | Winter Mountain Skills Course
Winter Mountain Guiding Options
Alpine Ski Touring | Arrowsmith Range Ski Touring | Private Instruction & Guiding | Ascents Program
Winter Guiding & Courses ››
From ice climbing and ski mountaineering to avalanche courses and ski touring.
Summer Courses and Guiding ››
Introductory to advanced climbing courses, guided ascents and expeditions on NZ's highest peaks.
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