Advanced Ice

• Guides/Instructors

  All the Guides and Instructors on our Ice Climbing programs are Certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and are among many of the top Ice Climbing guides in British Columbia. We ensure that you are being taught and guided by the best! For more details on the specific guides for your program, contact our office.

• Equipment

  CWMS Gear List - Canada West Mountain School Ice Climbing Gear List

  The following personal equipment is required:
  
  • Boots - plastic or leather mountaineering boots
  • Crampons - adjusted to your boots (1 pr)
  • Day-pack (30-40 liters capacity, big enough to hold all gear for the day)
  • Hard shell outer layer jacket with hood - Gore-Tex style (1)
  • Full-zip pants or bibs - Gore-Tex style (1 pair)
  • Base layers - top & bottom, snythetic or wool
  • Climbing pants - fleece, pile, Schoeller, etc. (1 pr)
  • Gaiters, unless outer shell pants have built-in gaiters
  • Gloves (medium weight) - with leather or palms for grip
  • Expedition style gloves w/removable liners; plus, 1 extra pair of liners or gloves
  • Warm parka - down, fleece or pile
  • Sweater or vest - wool, fleece or down
  • Toque/warm hat - wool or fleece
  • Sunglasses
  • Ski goggles
  • Headlamp with extra set of batteries
  • Personal 1st aid (blister kit, medications, etc.)
  • Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
  • Water bottles w/insulation - minimum 1 litres
  • Small "thermos" for hot drinks
  • Knife - Swiss army style
  
  
  Technical equipment(supplied by CWMS if required):
  • Technical climbing tools
  • Climbing harness - seat harness only
  • Helmet
  • 3 locking carabiners
  • 1 belay device

  In addition Canada West Mountain School supplies all ropes, ice climbing tools, ice screws, climbing anchor materials and other safety gear.

  Please go over this list before the course to ensure that you are properly prepared. Contact our office if you have any questions, and we can suggest places for you to purchase or rent. Keep in mind that you will be spending all of your time outdoors in the snow in very cold conditions (-10 to -20), and that the weather can vary from one extreme to the other. Ice climbing can be very wet as well, so be prepared with extra clothes. It is recommended that you also have a set of spare street clothes for the end of the course after you have left the mountains.

• FAQ's

  Questions about Ice Climbing programs

  Do I need to have special gear?

  In regards to technical gear, you will require all the basic climbing equipment that you would use for outdoor rock climbing - harness, helmet, belay device and a few locking carabiners. You will also require proper mountaineering boots and crampons. Canada West Mountain School supplies all other specialized Ice Climbing equipment such as climbing tools, ice screws, etc. CWMS also supplies all ropes, anchor materials and other general climbing safety equipment.

  Personal clothing suitable for outdoor winter activities is essential. Please consult the attached Gear and Clothing list.

  What happens if the weather is not suitable for Ice Climbing?

  Our first priority is safety, so in the event that weather, avalanche or ice conditions are not in safe conditions for climbing, we will look at alternate locations or postponing the trip. If the weather is poor but climbing conditions are safe and reasonable, the programs typically will proceed as planned. At all times in the winter, the best way to ensure that weather does not take away from your activities is to be well prepared with good quality gear.

  Where are the Ice Climbing programs conducted?

  The most reliable location for Ice Climbing on the South Coast of BC is in the Lillooet region, approx. 2 hours past Whistler. We use climbing sites in the Cayoosh Creek area along the Duffey Lake road; in the Marble Canyon area near Pavilion Lake; and, in the Bridge River Canyon.

  Occasionally, the conditions in the Sea to Sky region closer to Squamish/Whistler/Pemberton are in fine shape and excellent quality waterfall ice climbing can be had here as well.

  How long are the days?

  Field sessions typically will start at 0800 and finish by 5 pm. Of course, this will vary due to weather and daily objectives, but plan on finishing at 5 each day

• Links, Documents and Paperwork

  Review these documents, and bring completed Waiver and Medical Forms to your program:

  CWMS Medical Disclosure Form - CWMS MEDICAL form
  CWMS Waiver & Assumption of Risk - CWMS Waiver
  CWMS Gear List - Canada West Mountain School Ice Climbing Gear List
  CWMS Refund & Transfers policies - Refund Policy