Beginning to Lead Clinic

In this clinic we’ll approach graduation from being a competent ice climber on top rope to taking the first steps into learning how to lead an ice climb. In a mock lead scenario, we’ll follow the natural progression to safely and efficiently lead an ice climb. You’ll have a chance to learn from our guides:

• Reading the ice and understanding its behavior

• Leader’s movement on ice

• Ice screws: correct placement, mechanics and limitations

• Protection spacing

• Ice screw anchor building and V, A & 0-threads

• Top anchor belay

• Lead belay and back ties

Prerequisites:

• You must be an avid climber with proven experience on waterfall ice.

• Some leading experience on rock (even at the rock gym) is a must.

• Clear understanding of what “leading” means to prove readiness to move into it.

• This clinic is not a “learn how to ice climb” clinic, although some instruction to improve your movement as to guarantee efficiency and safety as a leader will be provided.