You have been ice climbing for several seasons, you have a basic experience in ice climbing—but do you know what to do in the event of an accident on the wall? Or an incident that would require basic rescue techniques?

This clinic is designed for ice climbers who want to acquire the essential fundamentals of rescue in icy terrain, in a safe and progressive learning environment.

Objectives

Develop the technical and decision-making reflexes required to respond effectively in the event of an incident on an ice climb

Clinic Content

Risk analysis in ice climbing
Discussion on prevention
Review of fundamentals: Munter hitch, mule knot, friction knots, joining knots, Abalakov anchors
Introduction to alternative tools
Releasing the belayer
Ascending the rope
Rescuing the climber

Ice climbing experience
Ability to belay on top-rope
Good physical condition

Required Equipment

Harness,
helmet,
ice tool,
crampons

Mandatory (cannot be borrowed): ATC, prusik cord, 2 pear-shaped carabiners, 6–7 m of 7 mm cord, a knife

Warm clothing,
Gore-Tex shell,
several pairs of gloves,
thermos,
snacks or lunch,
insulated jacket,
base layers,
hot pad

Don’t have equipment or want to try brands other than your personal gear? This is the perfect opportunity to visit our partners.

The following partners will be happy to lend equipment starting at 7:30 a.m. at their booths in the Exhibitor Village:

Mammut: boots, helmets, harnesses
Petzl: ice tools, crampons, helmets, and harnesses
CAMP: crampons, ice tools
La Sportiva: boots
Black Diamond: crampons, helmets, harnesses

*** Technical ice tools, mountaineering boots, and technical ice climbing crampons will be available at our partners’ booths in the Exhibitor Village. ***

$135 per person

Émile took his first steps in ice climbing in the Cordillera Blanca in 2010. Since then, he has taken advantage of every winter to gain experience and refine this beautiful craft.

Holder of several FQME certifications, including Lead Climbing Instructor, Multi-Pitch Lead Instructor, and Ice Top-Rope Instructor, he has been teaching climbing since 2013.

After completing a master’s degree in philosophy in 2018, he initially planned to pursue a career in college-level teaching. After reflection, he ultimately chose to commit full-time to the climbing world. Today, he works as a route setter, instructor, and trainer in the Montreal area.