Join trip co-ordinators Ann, Donna and Lil for their annual Chicks With Picks ice climbing weekend. Stepping up this year, the 2017 CWP features two days instruction and practice with ACMG guide Sarah Hueniken. This is an opportunity to build your ice climbing skills, which includes everything from the principals of movement, efficient tool & crampon techniques, to developing the confidence for safe ice lead climbing, such as ice screw placement, building & backing up ice anchors and making V-threads.
This is a beginner friendly, women-only skill development weekend. A high level of fitness will contribute to your enjoyment and achievement. Ability to tie a figure eight knot and experience belaying is necessary for this trip. You need NO previous ice experience. Maximum number of participants including trip co-ordinators is 12.
March 18: Haffner Creek (Bow Valley)
A great place for novice ice climbers to learn, as well as more advance climbers who would like to work on proper steep ice techniques. Only a short 20 minute hike from the parking lot, there is plenty of ice from WI 3 to 4+.
- Learn to swing tools, and kick using at proper steep ice technique, resting, and good form. Practice with coaching.
- Learn basic mixed skills and technique. Practice with coaching.
- Learn how to place and remove screws
- Learn how to build an anchor
- Learn how to build a v-thread
- Learn how to properly coil a rope
March 19: Bear Spirit (Bow Valley)
Another cragging location, offering generally more challenging routes than Haffner, especially of mixed lines. Great for advanced ice and mixed technique sessions. Never as busy as Haffner
- Learn how to set up your own top ropes
- More movement practice and coaching on steep ice and mixed
- Learn how to place screws while climbing
- Learn how to properly lead ice
- Practice mock ice leads
- Rappel practice and skills
Fees – Payment Required by Feb 29, 2017
Guide: The low cost for this ACMG facilitated trip reflects a Section investment towards engaging more women in alpine activities, a recognized benefit to section membership overall. Assuming the trip is full will 12 participants, the cost will be about $150/pp for 2 days of facilitated learning with Sarah and her assistant guide. If there are only 10 participants the cost would be about $180. As a subsidy is provided upfront, the 2017 Chicks with Picks trip is not eligible for the Volunteer Course Subsidy Program.
Accommodation: We have pre-booked 12 beds at Banff Hostel. The cost $77/pp for 2 nights.
Meals: Food and beverage costs are up to the individual. Breakfast and lunch on your own both days. The CWP tradition has been to have a Saturday potluck dinner at the hostel. Given the Banff hostel is walkable to town for food services, group interest will determine if a potluck is a go.
Please Note: If you cancel and we are unable to fill your spot you will be responsible for your guide fees and accommodation costs.
To sign up email: donnamccoll@shaw.ca
