Archive:Intro to Ice Climbing 2013
When
February 2nd to 3rd (Sat and Sun), 2013-We recommend that you drive up there on Friday night though!
What
This is a trip that happens annually for getting folks introduced to ice climbing and the screaming barfies and other shenanigans that come with it. We'll spend both days climbing ice on toprope for the most part. Saturday night, we can have a nice fire (let's bring firewood-musical instruments that can withstand the cold recommended! :)
Where
The trip will be held at Marble Canyon near Cache Creek. We recommmend driving up on Friday evening, since it's a bit of a drive. We'll stay at the campsite at Crown lake (Driving Directions can be found below) The climbing is a short hike from where we will be camping.
Pre-requisites...
All students should have some experience rock climbing, and know how to belay top-rope.
Gear
- Mountaineering boots
- Harness
- Belay device and a locking biner to go with it
- Helmet (MUST! I'm not letting anybody climb/near the cliff without one)
- Crampons
- Ice tools if you've got them. Hopefully we can be somewhat close to the 1 pair of tools per two people ratio.
- Waterproof clothing
- Gloves (lots of pairs, thin ones for climbing and thick ones to thaw your hands while belaying)
- Toque
- Headlamp
- Camping gear - tent, stove, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, warm clothes, etc.
- Musical instrument (optional)
The Club has some plastic mountaineering boots, as well as harnesses, helmets and crampons (try to get the nice rigid ones).
You need, however, to have your own belay device and some locking biners to go with it.
If you have some slings, quickdraws, daisychains etc, it can't hurt to bring those too.
I will try to get my hands on some extra ice tools to borrow, BUT if you can arrange your own then please please please do - there will be a shortage.
Instructors will be responsible for bringing ropes, screws and draws/extenders/screamers.
Student Sign Up
Student sign-up can be found on the voc website, under the sign-up tool. Max. Participant number will depend on the instructor numbers.
Instructor Signup
Driving Instructions
Marble Canyon is found along Highway 99 between Lillooet and Cache Creek, at the Crown Lake camping site. We will try to leave Vancouver on Friday evening (but not before 6pm). Crazy-early saturday departures are acceptable but not encouraged.
Highway 1 to Hope (150km)
Highway 1 to Cache Creek (190km) - don't go the usual way E, up Highway 5 towards Merritt and Kamloops!! That'd suck!)
Highway 97 N from Cache Creek towards Prince George for 11km, then take a left onto Highway 99
Highway 99 for 25km to Marble Canyon (Crown Lake)
The guidebook says the alternative route from Lytton (Highway 12 to Lillooet) is shorter but slower
The carpark and campground are at Crown Lake; the climbs are 200m across the lake.
GPS: 50.8350,-121.6941
Photos
Lee took a lot of photos from the trip in 2011. You can view them on Flikr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eljaydub/sets/72157626002163654/
Disclaimer
There are many inherent risks in ice climbing. VOC 'instructors' are not certified ACMG guides, just folks who want to share their love of climbing cool frozen stuff. Everyone is ultimately responsible for their own actions.
Ice climbing is also highly dependent on conditions, therefore this trip will turn into a backcountry hotsprings trip should we get a total meltdown over the next 2 weeks - although this is rather unlikely.