TCS Basic Ice - CMC Denver - 2025

Climbing Course

Basic Ice

In one evening and one field day on ice, Basic Ice Climbing will introduce novice or experienced rock climbers to the basics of ice climbing, and teach them to safely enjoy the sport in top-rope settings. The course focuses on equipment, safety, and technique.

Basic Ice does not teach avalanche awareness or avalanche safety. These topics are covered in the Avalanche Terrain Avoidance Seminar or AIARE Level 1 School. If you are interested in learning to lead on ice, and are an experienced trad leader, consider the Ice Lead Climbing class.

When registering, select one of the sessions below:

  • Session A: evening lecture on Jan 23, morning field day on Jan 26
  • Session B: evening lecture on Jan 23, afternoon field day on Jan 26
  • Session C: evening lecture on Jan 23, afternoon field day on Feb 2

Notes

Note that classes sometimes show "Sessions"; Basic Climbing Session A, for example. Sessions are simply alternate dates of the same class. In other words, you may choose Session A, B, C or D, depending on which dates work best for you. You do not have to complete all sessions.

Cancellation Policy:
Classes must have minimum four students signed up and requisite number of instructors. If either number is too low class may be cancelled,
Refund Policy: Please see CMC refund policy 

COVID-19 Protocol: https://www.cmc.org/COVID-19andCMCProgramming.aspx

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements
Course Activity Date Availability Leader
Lecture 1
Zoom Lecture
Thu, Jan 23, 2025
Registration closes Jan 21
15 participants
3 instructors
Field Component - Session B
Elevenmile Canyon - Camp Alexander
Sun, Jan 26, 2025
Registration closes Jan 24
10 participants
5 instructors
Field Component - Session A
Elevenmile Canyon - Camp Alexander
Sun, Jan 26, 2025
Registration closes Jan 24
5 participants
5 instructors
Field Component - Session C
Elevenmile Canyon - Camp Alexander
Sun, Feb 2, 2025
Registration closes Jan 31
2 participants
5 instructors
Roster
Required Equipment
    • Harness
    • Belay device
    • Helmet 
    • Climbing shoes (Shoes for lecture night) 
    • Necessary 4-season clothing and gear to negotiate snowy terrain in full winter.
    • Mountaineering boots that will take a hybrid or step-in crampon. We have some strap-on crampons that will fit boots without a toe or heel welt but this is not the optimal configuration.
    • 1 pair of gloves that are thin enough to give you dexterity on the climb yet warm enough to avoid frostbite.
    • 1 pair of warmer gloves to wear when belaying or waiting for a rope.
    • 55L+ Pack

          Equipment Provided: 

          • CMC will provide technical equipment for the class (ice tools and crampons).

            Course Materials

            You must register for this course to see course materials.