Each winter the Ice near June Lake and “The Big Leak” in Lee Vining Canyon set up to form the best ice climbing in California. You will learn plenty about the technical world of ice climbing! For beginning ice climbers with basic rock climbing or snow or mountaineering skills. A complete introduction to the full spectrum of ice skills & techniques. Instruction includes: proper crampon technique, tool placement, ice protection placement, standard belays, safety, movement on ice, energy conservation with lots of time practicing on the ice in Lee Vining Canyon or the short cliffs at June Lake.
Basic Technical Ice Climbing
Lee Vining Canyon, California
2 days / 1 night / Cost: $350.00
Our Basic Technical Ice climbing course is designed for beginning to intermediate climbers who have basic rock climbing and/or snow climbing skills Two days spend on the ice learning the skills needed to climb water ice. You will learn a full spectrum of ice climbing skills which instruction in: proper crampon techniques, belays, stances, equipment selections, two tool placement, movement on ice, energy conservation, rope handling, and gear management. Come join SWS Mountain Guides for a full introduction into the wild world of Technical Ice Climbing.
Departure City: Lee Vining, California
Group Size: Limited to 6 clients
Guide to Client Ratio: 1:3
Experience Level: For beginning to intermediate climbers with basic rock skills and/or snow climbing skills – rock gym experience is ok.
Intermediate Technical Ice Climbing
Lee Vining Canyon & June Lake, California
2 days / 1 night / Cost: $375.00
For the experienced snow climber, or rock climber who have attended our Basic Ice Climbing course. A challenging and exciting advanced technical ice course with plenty of time spent on the ice. Instruction includes: tool placement development, protection placement both ice and rock placement, simulated ice leading practice, establishing a belay for multi-pitch ice climbing, and introduction to mixed climbing, with emphasis on efficient climbing.
Departure City: Lee Vining, California
Group Size: Limited to 6 clients
Guide to Client Ratio: 1:3
Experience Level: For experienced rock or ice climbers or those who have attended our Basic Tech Ice Course or have solid rope handling skills.
Advanced Technical Ice Climbing including Mixed
Lee Vining Canyon & June Lake, California
2 days / 1 night / Cost: $425.00
For the experienced ice climber or experienced rock climber who has attended our Intermediate Ice Climbing course. A challenging and exciting advanced technical ice course with plenty of time spent on the ice. Instruction includes: advanced tool placement, protection placement, leading on ice practice, establishing the belay on ice, multi-pitch ice climbing, mixed tool placement, climbing techniques for unusual conditions, using mono/dual point crampon technique and more. Low guide to client ratio of 1:2. Dates by arrangement only… mid-week preferred and recommended. Give us a call
Departure City: Lee Vining, California
Group Size: Limited to 2 clients
Guide to Client Ratio: 1:2
Experience Level: For experienced rock or ice climbers or those who have attended our Basic or Intermediate Technical Ice Course or with guides approval.