Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing
Custom Winter Ice Climbing

Custom Winter Ice Climbing

Starting from

$399.00
/

This trip is booked on a custom basis. Call us to learn more and start planning your adventure today!
(206) 413-5418

Client to Guide Ratio

Welcome to the wonderful world of frozen water! At Kaf Adventures, we love to ice climb! In fact, ice climbing has been a part of mountaineering and exploration for decades. Explorers developed techniques for traveling safely over glaciated terrain to reach the tops of mountains they saw from far below. As they set their sights on steeper and steeper objectives, new techniques and tools needed to be created; thus the art of ice climbing was born. Whether pictures in magazines inspire you, friends told you about ice climbing, or you just thought it might be something fun to try, come experience the thrill of climbing, one of nature's most dynamic mediums.

As much as we love ice, conditions in the PNW can be inconsistent and hard to predict. Approaches can be long and require complicated travel; avalanche gear, training, and flotation may be required. For this reason, we will only be booking private trips for experienced ice climbers and alpinists at a maximum ratio of 2:1. Give us a call to discuss options or consider joining us in springtime on Mt. Hood for a 3-day Winter Alpine Ice Climbing Course or a full day climb up the Devil's Kitchen Headwall.

If this is one of your first forays into ice climbing, we recommend joining us at the Sandstone Ice Festival in Minnesota in January, or on the Coleman seracs of Mt. Baker for our Summer Glacier Ice Climbing Course . These are both suitable for a wide range of experience levels. For those of you newer to ice, we will teach you all of the skills and techniques necessary to get started in a learning-friendly environment. For those with more experience, try a more advanced clinic, have a fun adventure, and add to your toolbox of tips. Either way, we will meet you where you are and help you feel accomplished after a day on the ice

Duration

  • 1 day
  • 8 hours

Season

  • Winter

Client:Guide Ratio

2:1

Minimum Participants

1

Meet your instructor at the trailhead or other predetermined location at 8am. There, your instructor will ensure everyone has what they need for the day, go over general safety, and then you will start snowshoeing or skiing into the ice. The approach may cross avalanche terrain and could take up to 2 hours.

Upon reaching the ice, we will assess conditions, put up anchors, and climb as much ice as we can before heading out. You can expect to be back to the trailhead around 4pm.

This course is not suitable for beginners. You must have:

  • Knowledge of basic climbing knots and ability to lead belay.
  • Prior experience ice climbing (at least 2 days).
  • AIARE Level 1 Certification.
  • Avalanche Rescue Course or ongoing practice is recommended.
  • If skiing/splitboarding: At least 2 full years of touring experience.
  • If skiing/splitboarding: Advanced downhill skills (ability to ski or ride black diamond runs in all snow conditions on and off groomers).
  • Previous experience spending long days in the cold is a plus.
  • Ability to snowshoe or tour 4 miles and ascend 2000' with a 30 pound pack.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 3-5 days before your course you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
  • Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
  • Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. To get the most of our day, we'd like to begin right at the designated start time.
  • All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Pre-trip planning.
  • Gear packing and equipment choices for a winter alpine climb.
  • Route finding and navigation.
  • Self-care in the mountains.
  • Safe travel techniques in a snowy and icy environment.
  • Ice climbing movement and technique.
  • Rope management and transitions.

PLUS:

  • A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
  • A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
  • Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
  • Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs

Equipment Lists

Required Gear

  1. Head/face protection : warm hat, sun hat *baseball cap is fine, neck gaiter *buff or balaclava, sunglasses with good side coverage
  2. 25-40L day pack 
  3. Full shank (4 season) mountaineering boots with well fitting vertical-point (ice-climbing specific) crampons
  4. Water bottles with at least 2L capacity 
  5. Climbing helmet
  6. Insulating layer : puffy jacket/belay parka and fleece or puffy pants
  7. Waterproof layers : hooded jacket and pants, gaiters highly recommended
  8. Climbing harness 
  9. Personal kit : sunscreen (SPF 40 or higher), lip balm, headlamp and extra batteries, toiletries (please bring a plastic baggie for waste), personal medications and first aid
  10. Warm baselayers : non-cotton, moisture-wicking
  11. 2 pairs of gloves : insulating gloves, waterproof gloves


OTHER / OPTIONAL GEAR

  • Pre-made lunch items, easy to eat with gloves on
  • Handy pocket items; gel, chews, bars, etc.
  • Whistle
  • Area maps and compass
  • Heavy duty plastic trash bags (for water-proofing)
  • Camera
  • Watch
  • Half foam pad to stand/sit in snow
  • Bandana
  • Avalanche safety gear : transceiver, shovel, probe (longer is better for the maritime snowpack)
  • Backcountry ski or splitboard setup or snowshoes : boots, skis/splitboard with touring bindings and climbing skins or snowshoes, poles)

Car Equipment (items to keep in your car) *All of these items are optional but recommended when traveling in the mountains in winter.

  • Water bottle or thermos
  • Non-perishable food (salty snacks!)
  • Comfortable and warm cloths, socks, and shoes
  • First aid kit
  • Folding saw
  • Shovel
  • Warm blanket or sleeping bag
  • Tire Chains

What Kaf Provides

  1. Ice tools
  2. Group first aid kit and medical supplies 
  3. Anchor materials
  4. Ice protection : screws and draws
  5. Climbing rope