Are you looking to advance your ice climbing ability towards more difficult objectives?
Want to learn techniques to help manage the pump on pillars and curtains?
Or if you simply looking to climb new, exciting and more challenging terrain, then join Cathedral Mountain Guides and further your experience and understanding of all that the vertical world has to offer. We’ll spend two days immersed in WI 4 and 5 terrain with a focus on you becoming more confident and comfortable when pushing yourself on steep ice.
Day 1 will take place in a cragging environment (likely The Flume in Franconia Notch). We will prioritize skills related to efficient movement on steep ice in a top-rope setting. You will try out new techniques, receive guided feedback, and work to keep the pump at bay!
On Day 2, we will aim to head to one of the United States’ premier destinations for big, steep ice lines – Lake Willoughby, Vermont. At “the Lake”, we will put into practice that which we worked on the day before. We will split into two teams and each group will attempt a multi-pitch objective that challenges them appropriately.
*The exact itinerary is subject to change and will be based on ice conditions, weather, and other factors that may be out of our control.
Prerequisites: Solid belaying skills and the ability to comfortably top-rope WI 3. Multi-pitch experience is not required but will help significantly on day 2.
Group Size: We’re going to cap it at 4 climbers! On day 2, we will bring in a second guide and split the team in two groups.
January 24th & 25th
February 17th & 18th
Required Gear: Participants will be expected to come prepared with – at least – most of a personal climbing kit. Please let us know if you will need to borrow anything from CMG.
Boots
Crampons
Ice tools
Harness
Helmet
Ice Clippers
Belay device with dedicated locking carabiner.
1-2 extra locking carabiners
Personal Anchor System or double length sling to be used as a tether/rappel extension.
Crag Backpack
Multipitch Backpack (sized to carry a puffy, a thermos of tea, and a spare pair of gloves).
Optional: Tethers for ice tools
Shop local! Visit Savage Gear in downtown North Conway to see their selection of Mountain Equipment apparel and their custom gear that is hand-crafted and purpose-built for climbers!
In a region full of great ice guides, Keith stands as one of the best. He certainly wouldn't admit it, but it's absolutely true.
Not only is Keith a technical wizard and a brilliant climber but he also has an incredible ability to articulate the nuances and subtleties of ice-specific movement, something that is unmatched in the field and something that makes this program stand out as an extraordinary opportunity.
Keith will serve as the lead instructor for the two days and will be supported by a second Cathedral Mountain Guide on Day 2 of the program.
