Ice Climbing Basics - 2 Days

A two-day course for people who want more than a taster and are ready to build a working foundation on ice. Over two days on the waterfalls of Cogne you'll move from top roping into the systems that let you climb as a useful second on an easy multi-pitch: placing screws, threading an Abalakov, building and running a belay, and rappelling. We also spend real time on reading the ice, because knowing when a line is in condition matters more than any technique you'll learn. Outline: Day one is technique. Kit setup, knots and belaying, tool and crampon work, efficient movement, and top roping on steadily steeper ice. Day two is systems and judgement. Ice quality and conditions, screws and V-threads, belay stations, an easy multi-pitch as a second, rappelling, and hazards on the approach. Full syllabus below. Who it's for: Beginners, including those who have done the intro day. No prior climbing experience is required, but you need to be fit enough for a 30 to 45min walk in with a pack on both days and to climb repeatedly with tired forearms on day two. Comfortable with heights and with being cold is the real prerequisite. Gear: Ice tools, crampons, harness, helmet, screws and ropes are provided for both days. You must bring stiff mountaineering boots that take crampons (B2 or B3), which rent in Cogne for roughly €20 to 25 a day, plus proper winter clothing and warm gloves. Trainers, soft walking boots and ski boots will not work. Bad weather: We climb in cold and snow, which is normal here. If a line is out of condition, thawing or threatened from above, we move to another of the many venues in the valley. In heavy snowfall with a high avalanche bulletin we use short road-side ice with no approach hazard, and the multi-pitch element of day two moves to whatever is safely in condition.

• Stiff mountaineering boots that take crampons (B2 or B3), rentable locally

• warm socks

• waterproof jacket and trousers

• warm midlayer

• insulated jacket for belaying

• hat

• sunglasses

• rucksack 30 to 40 L

• packed lunch and a hot drink for each day

• 2 pairs of gloves

Day 1: Introduction, objectives and safety briefing; Equipment check and personal gear setup; Knots, belay devices and belaying techniques; Ice tool and crampon technique: front pointing and flat-footing; Efficient movement: triangle position and balance on ice; Top-rope climbing on different angles of ice. Day 2: Reading ice: quality, temperature and conditions; Ice screw placement and V-thread (Abalakov) anchors; Building and managing belay stations; Climbing as a second on an easy multi-pitch route; Rappelling techniques; Avalanche and objective hazards on ice climbing approaches; Final debrief, feedback and next steps.

• Guides on Oak are verified by Oak, but users should independently confirm a guide’s qualifications.

• Participants are responsible for ensuring their skill level and fitness are suitable for the activity.

• Individuals should only attempt techniques or terrain they feel personally confident with.

• All instructions and safety guidance from the guide should be followed at all times.

• Users must ensure their own equipment is appropriate and in safe working condition.

• Mountain activities carry inherent risks, and participation is at the user’s own discretion.

• Adequate insurance covering mountain travel and rescue is essential.

• Relevant medical information should be shared with the guide.

• Plans may change due to weather or safety considerations, and users should be prepared for this.