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Ice Climbing

Can you imagine yourself climbing the Khumba Icefall on Mount Everest? Luckily, you don't have to go to Nepal for some excellent ice climbing. Within a couple of hours of Toronto, you'll find some of the most astounding ice in Southern Ontario. Hack your way up an icefall with ice axes and dig your crampons into the blue ice. On this course you will learn to tie into the rope, belay, proper uses of crampons and ice axes, and ice climbing technique.

Your Experience will progress as follows (may vary depending on group size):

10:00 am - Instructors meet you at the designated location.
10:05 am - Participants are given harnesses, helmets, boots, crampons and axes.
10:30 am - Participants are escorted to the frozen waterfall and lesson begins.
12:00 pm - Break for lunch and perhaps return to cars to warm up.
12:30 pm - Continue to climb routes and increase technique.
3:30 pm - Last climb
4:00 pm - Return to parked vehicles

"The ice climbing experience was great!!!!! The weather was perfect and the instructors were very friendly and professional. Vladimir had a lot of fun and was very happy to get this experience. Thank you very much for your great service." - Nataliya

Ice Climbing Experience Pricing

** Availability: 2012 Available Dates: Saturday March 3rd – Depending on Ice conditions Saturday March 10th – Depending on Ice conditions
$160.00 + HST per person	Gift Certificate Code: ADICE1

Experience Location

Things to Remember

A waiver of liability must be signed before participation.
No experience is necessary for this beginner program.
Lunch is not included.

Recommended Clothing

All the technical equipment is provided such as helmets, harnesses, boots, crampons, axes and other required gear. Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Remember that you will be outside all day and standing around belaying. A down jacket for when you belay and a lighter insulated jacket for when you climb are recommended. Quick dry clothing (polyester or nylon) is recommended. The best system is to layer your clothing. Make sure to wear clothing you are not worried about getting dirty or ripped. It is recommended that you wear a waterproof jacket and pants over your warm clothing because the ice will become wet as the day warms up. Bring at least two pairs of gloves or mitts because they will get wet. It is also a good idea to bring extra warm clothing and leave it in your car in case you need it. Hiking boots or plastic boots are appropriate for the day. Pack water, a hot beverage in your thermos and your lunch in a small backpack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.I have never ice climbed before in my life. Can I take this course?
A. Yes. This introduction to ice climbing is a course designed for complete beginners. It is also ideal for those who have done indoor climbing and would like to try it outdoor on frozen waterfalls for the first time. Some of our clients come out every year even if they have climbed before because they like to know that our top-notch instructors set the routes they are climbing and we provide all the gear.

Q. What if I don't have a strong upper body?
A. Ice climbing is a combination of using your feet as well as your arms. Our climbs are rated from easy to medium so there are different levels for beginners to try. Gaining proper technique will allow you to improve without having a super strong upper body.

Q. What is the fitness requirement for this course?
A. A hiking fitness is generally recommended.

Q. How high are the frozen waterfalls?
A. The frozen waterfalls range from 70 feet to 90 feet.

Q. How long is the hike into the cliffs?
A. It is a short (10 minute) hike from the parking lot. You are able go back to the car if you need to.

Q. Are there washrooms?
A. Sometimes yes, but plan for no. Al fresco is the way to go. You may want to make a pit-stop before you arrive.

Q. Should I bring a lunch?
A. We recommend that you bring your food in a backpack so that you can hike with your hands free. We recommend a thermos with a hot beverage to help keep you warm.

Q. Can my wife/husband/daughter/son/brother/sister/friend/neighbor come and watch the course without participating?
A. We do not provide helmets or crampons for non-participants. Spectators can watch at their own risk. The ice climbing sites are difficult to access without crampons and in some locations you may have to rappel down the cliff. Spectators are usually not recommended for ice climbing.

Other Important Information