$549
Our Learn to Lead Ice course is designed for climbers ready to take their ice climbing skills to the next level. You’ll master the fundamentals of leading on ice, including anchor building, ice screw and gear placement, lead belaying, and managing risks in challenging winter conditions.
Under the guidance of AMGA Guidees, you’ll gain confidence on steep ice and practice placing protection on real ice routes. This course is perfect for those with previous top-rope ice climbing experience, looking to develop independence and lead safely. Prepare to step up your climbing in a controlled, supportive environment!
Previous Top-Rope Ice Climbing Experience:
Must have completed multiple days of top-rope ice climbing, demonstrating solid technique and comfort on ice.
Basic Ice Climbing Skills: Proficient in ice tool placement, footwork with crampons, and climbing efficiently on steep ice.
Familiarity with Ice Climbing Gear: Experience using ice screws, harnesses, ropes, helmets, and belay devices.
Belaying Experience: Confident in belaying both top-rope and lead climbers.
Understanding of Anchor Systems: Basic knowledge of building secure ice anchors.
Physical Fitness: Adequate strength and endurance for sustained climbing in cold conditions.
Previous Outdoor Climbing Experience: Familiarity with outdoor environments and cold-weather management.
- Leave No Trace Principles and Outdoor Crag Etiquette
- Equipment overview and proper fit
- Risk Management Discussion
- Approach, Climb and Descend the route
- Fun
- AMGA Trained/Certified Guide
- Group Climbing Equipment
- Technical Hardware
- Technical Soft goods
- Personal Climbing Equipment
- Climbing Shoes
- Helmet
- Harness
- Food
- Transport
- Lodging
- Trip/Cancelation Insurance
- Non-technical Personal Items
- Rescue Insurance
- Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
- Guide Gratuity
- Unforseen Cost Incurred Outside of the Control of SAI
Clothing
Bottom
Cotton or synthetic climbing pants/capri’s
Shorts for hot weather
Top
Fleece or lightweight down sweater
Lightweight wind shell
Water proof rain jacket – lightweight gore-tex or similar
Short-sleeved shirt
(Optional) Sun hoody
Head
Baseball hat – for sun protection
Hands
1 pair of lightweight leather belay gloves – hardware store versions are great
Feet
Sticky rubber approach shoes or light hiking/trail running shoes (closed toe mandatory)
Cotton or Synthetic socks
Technical Equipment
Harness – UIAA/CE rated climbing harness with belay loop and gear loops. Should be able to fit on the outside of your layers.
Helmet – UIAA/CE rated climbing helmet.
Belay/rappel device – plaquette, tube style device preferred
2 locking carabiners – large, round stock screw gate carabiners that are easily manipulated while wearing gloves
Sticky rubber rock climbing shoes
*All technical equipment will be provided by SAI, but if you have our own, it’s encouraged that you bring it.
Food
2L of water
800 -1200 calories of food – energy bars, sandwiches, fruits, etc
Personal
Backpack – 25-30L
2 Large mouth water bottles, 1L capacity each.
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Smartphone
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.John McGee2024-05-27Easy to schedule and great communication. Max was my guide and he was excellent! He knew every inch of the crag and selected routes that were perfect.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Hung Lieu2024-01-31Another awesome ice climbing trip in the books. Thanks, Dan and SAI Guides!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Michael Schmitz2023-12-18Completed the AiARE 1 course with Max Lure in Rocky Mountain National Park. A phenomenal experience. Would recommend to anyone who is interested in getting into the back country.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jenni Hanley2023-08-02I loved my guided climb with Newt! He chose a great spot that was shaded and not too crowded. Loved the routes he chose for us, which got gradually more challenging. He had a really nice mix of providing some beta while also encouraging us to figure it out for ourselves. Would definitely book an excursion with him again!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Connor Myers2023-07-22Have not used their service, but one of their guides, Newt, got me out of a jam a few weeks ago. I took off from the Eldo park and ride without my bag, and when he saw the abandoned bag in the parking lot, he read the situation perfectly, took it with him, made a post online, and got the bag back to me day of. Newt's an honest dude with good situational awareness, great qualities for a guide (and person) to have.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jason Bryce2023-05-15Eric Whewell is professional and helpful, guided and taught my group well!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Ben2023-05-13The SPI course offered by SAI is phenomenal. It exceeded my expectations and taught me numerous invaluable skills I will undoubtedly make repeated use of in the future in both recreational and professional climbing settings. Thank you to Eric Whewell for running such a great program!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Christopher Hunnewell2023-03-14Max led my AIARE 2 course and went way above and beyond what I have experienced in previous courses. Beyond just going through he curriculum Max took personal ownership of the learning of the group and made sure to give us opportunities to implement what we had gone over. Cannot recommend a trip with Max enough!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Sig Newt2023-02-20Excellent group of very professional guides. Would highly reccommend.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Elliott Wright2023-01-17Phenomenal AIARE1 course! Max Lurie’s expertise is second to none and his comedic edge makes a serious, information packed topic fun for everyone. Thanks SAI and Dan Hunter for putting it on.