Spring/Summer Glacier Ice Climbing Course

Oregon: Learn to ice climb at Mt. Hood’s Cooper Spur.  Located on the north side of the mountain the Eliot Glacier provides a stunning remote landscape. We will meet at the Cooper Spur trailhead. The approach hike is 3-4 miles, so be prepared to hike on snowy trails with your camping gear. We’ll spend the afternoon out on the ice before returning to camp for a hot meal and a good night’s sleep. Sunday morning we’ll take the instruction to the next level with round 2 of climbing, then will pack up camp for the hike out. This course is offered once monthly in April, May, and June.

Washington: Our meeting point is typically the Heliotrope Trailhead on Mt. Baker’s captivating north side. From here, we’ll travel to the Coleman glacier to practice the art of ice climbing. Please note, the approach is a moderate 2.75 mile hike with multiple water crossings. We’ll drop gear at camp before continuing on to an afternoon of climbing on the Coleman Seracs, then returning to camp for a hot meal and a good night’s sleep. Sunday morning we’ll take the instruction to the next level with round 2 of climbing, then will pack up camp for the hike out. This course is offered once monthly in July, August, September, and October.

• 18+ for adult courses or 16+ with consent from a guardian and Kaf approval
• 12-18 for youth courses

This is a beginner-intermediate level course. Basic climbing knots and ability to belay are recommended and any previous climbing knowledge will enhance your ability to learn, but no prior experience is necessary.

• Belay techniques
  
• Ice climbing movement
  
• Ice tool and crampon techniques
• Camp skills
• Let us know your goals!

• Eight hours of expert instruction
  
• Access to Kaf resources
• Group camping gear: tents, stoves, cookware, food storage, and water filtration
• Dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday
• Group climbing gear: ropes, ice tools, and protection
• Individual climbing gear if needed: helmet, harness, crampons, and hardware

• Transportation
  
• Lunches and snacks
• Personal climbing gear: Mountaineering boots and climbing layers
• Personal camping gear: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, mess kit, headlamp, etc.

Group Gear from Kaf:

• Climbing Ropes
• Ice Tools
• Ice Screws

Individual Gear from Kaf (let us know if you need these):

• Helmet
  
• Harness
• Crampons
• Locking Carabiner
• Belay Device

Personal Gear:

• Mountaineering Boots
• Appropriate Layers

Transportation and times will be coordinated by email when the pre-trip announcement is sent to all registrants.

Join us for our Glacier Mountaineering Skills Course and take your skills to a Cascade summit!