ICE CLIMBING CLINCS
Inclusive Ice Climbing Clinics
Come hang out at our ice climbing clinics, open to adaptive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA2S+ athletes, in partnership with Montana Alpine Guides, Queer Mountaineers, Climbers of Color, Paradox Sports, and Here MT
101 Intro to Ice - Dec 4 & 5, 2026
201 Intermediate Ice - Dec 6 & 7, 2026
101 Clinic: Intro to Ice Climbing
Who:
Who it's for: Climbers who have never ice climbed before, up through those who've climbed a handful of times (roughly 0–9 times), and who want to have fun building foundational ice climbing movement skills. Easier approach to the crag, with physical support available from program volunteers and guides.
2 Clinics @ 12 climbers per clinic
1 Photographer
2 guides per clinic by Montana Alpine Guides (with help from Climbers of Color)
Facilitated by Vasu Sojitra of Inclusive Outdoors Project
2 Volunteers
101 Curriculum Outline (2 Days)
Day 1 — Foundations
Welcome, introductions, and group agreements (creating a brave, inclusive space)
Gear orientation: fitting crampons, boots, and axes; how to check your own setup
Ice climbing safety basics: hazard awareness, communication, helmet/harness checks
Partner climbing etiquette and belay basics (observation, not certification)
Footwork fundamentals
Tool placements: swing mechanics, wrist relaxation, reading good ice
Top-rope movement practice on low-angle ice
Group debrief and Q&A
Day 2 — Building Confidence
Warm-up and recap of Day 1 movement skills
Efficient climbing: pacing, resting on tools, hip positioning
Intro to steeper terrain (as appropriate to group progression)
Falling/hanging comfort and communication with belayer
Free climb time / mileage on a variety of terrain
Closing circle: reflections, what's next (bridge to 201)
Note: Exact pacing and terrain selection will flex based on group skill level, weather, and conditions in Hyalite Canyon, as determined by the lead guides.
Dates & Location
Dates & Location
Dec 3: Gear check at Communal Rental, Bozeman, MT
Dec 4–5: Clinic days, Hyalite Canyon, Bozeman, MT
Arrive Dec 3 (between 12–6pm) / Depart by Dec 6, 10am
Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), or drive and meet at Communal Rental (address TBD)
Gear
Provided: hard goods — ice axes, crampons, boots
Not provided (bring your own): soft goods — winter pants, jackets, and puffies (rental gear is not provided here due to risk of tearing)
Bring cold-weather layers: base layers, wool socks, water-repellent pants, and a jacket to layer under a big puffy. Ski/snowboard pants and jackets work great, and inexpensive options can be found secondhand/thrift. If you need help in where to find them please let us know.
Cost & Logistics
$650 per participant, including a $175 non-refundable deposit
Travel to/from Bozeman is not included
Optional communal rental lodging: $225/person (covers in-town transport, food, and housing Dec 3–6); if opting out, food fees are $60 total for all three days
Dietary restriction survey sent after acceptance
Applicants notified by Oct 5; $175 deposit due by Oct 9 to hold a spot
Carpooling coordinated via a private group chat for participants
201 Clinic: Intermediate Ice Climbing Clinic
Who:
Who it's for: Climbers proficient at leading or following Water Ice 3 and below, generally with 10+ ice climbing days, who want to expand skills toward leading, anchor building, reading ice, and moving toward advanced skills. More difficult approach with minimal physical support.
Prerequisite: Must be proficient climbing WI3 and below. All personal gear required — this clinic does not provide hard or soft goods.
1 clinic @ 12 climbers per clinic
1 Photographer
2 guides per clinic by Montana Alpine Guides (with help from Climbers of Color)
Facilitated by Vasu Sojitra of Inclusive Outdoors Project
2 Volunteers
201 Curriculum Outline (2 Days)
Day 1 — Technique & Anchors
Welcome, group agreements, and skills self-assessment
Gear check and route/terrain plan for the group's ability range
Fine-tuning movement on steeper ice: precision tool placements, footwork efficiency, resting techniques, pacing on sustained terrain
Anchor building station work: a variety of ice anchor types (V-threads/Abalakov, screw anchors, equalization), rock/gear anchors where terrain allows
Anchor evaluation and troubleshooting as a group
Applied climbing time putting anchor and movement skills together
Day 2 — Rescue Skills & Leading
Warm-up and recap
Rescue skills: escaping the belay, building a mechanical advantage/haul system, basic ice-specific self-rescue and partner-assist scenarios
Communication protocols for leading and rescue situations
Mock leading (as appropriate to group skill level): simulated lead climbing with close guide supervision, placing and evaluating protection, clipping technique
Guided feedback on movement, gear placement, and decision-making
Closing circle: reflections, next steps toward independent/guided leading, photos
Note: Whether mock leading happens — and how far participants progress into rescue systems — depends on the overall skill level and pace of the group, at guide discretion.
Dates & Location
Dec 5: Gear check at Communal Rental, Bozeman, MT
Dec 6–7: Clinic days, Hyalite Canyon, Bozeman, MT
Arrive Dec 5 (between 12–6 pm) / Depart by Dec 8, 10 am
Fly into BZN, or drive and meet at Communal Rental (address TBD)
Gear
Gear: Participants bring their own complete kit (ice axes, crampons, boots, harness, helmet, soft goods, personal rack as directed).
Montana Alpine Guide Gear List
Yes, it says hard good provided, but we prefer you to bring your own to show commitment to the sport.
Cost & Logistics
$650 per participant, including a $175 non-refundable deposit
Travel to/from Bozeman not included
Optional communal rental lodging: $225/person (Dec 5–8); if opting out, food fees are $60 total for all three days
Dietary restriction survey sent after acceptance
Applicants notified by Oct 5; $175 deposit due by Oct 9 to hold a spot
Carpooling coordinated via a private group chat for participants
Questions?
