2 Day Basic Ice Climbing France

Our two-day course is taught in various locations in the Pyrenean Mountains depending on which area offers the best conditions.

This course is for people with little or no experience of technical, waterfall ice climbing. This course is an excellent option for people wanting to learn the basics of ice climbing or those who aspire to improve their technical climbing skills for steeper snow or ice routes.

This course can be run over any weekend from the end of December to the end of March. We can organise transport to the venues (including flights) and accomadation. This course is based out of the Pyrenean town of Luchon from where several prime ice-climbing venues are easily accesible.

Course Curriculum includes:

Ice climbing movement skills now and ice anchor selection, construction, and equalisation

Anchor station management Ice climbing and crampon usage techniques Ice protection

Rope management

Rappelling and belaying in an alpine setting

Multi-pitch climbing techniques

Hazard assessment including: discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards, assessment of avalanche danger, rock and ice fall dangers.

Discussions include proper clothing and ice climbing equipment for survival in an alpine setting, efficient, safe and self-dependent climbing techniques, and Leave No Trace ethics.

Snow-shoeing technique and practice may be included for some venues where access is only possible using snowshoes.

Student/Instructor Ratio: 2:1 (maximum)