Post by coxy on Nov 23, 2006 6:43:50 GMT
So after a great days ice climbing I thought it would be nice to give a canada update for anyone interested with some pics included!!
So the ice climbing season is starting to gather a bit of pace at the moment! I was out on ice about 2 weeks ago in a nice beginner area called King Creek. It was a nice easy climb really (Water Ice (WI) 2+/3-) and was tiered out so was not just a few samll steep steps. Was great to back into setting screws and swinging the axes so we jsut did a few laps of that to get back into the swing of things!!
King Creek
So Monday night last, the adventure started!!
Got a phonecall at 10:30pm from a friend who knew a guy who wanted to climb ice on Tuesday (my day off!!!) and the plan was to meet in Canmore at 9am! So I live in Calgary (1 hour drive from Canmore) so hitching was the only option to get there in time cos no bus at that time! So 6:30 out of bed and on the highway for 7:30 and got to Canmore at 9.15am after an hiour standing on the road at -7!
Meet this swiss guy (Pierre was is actaully a swiss alpine guide) who is actually ends up been a swiss alpine guide and we drive to Banff and get sorted. 1.5 hours and a the start of the route called Spray River Falls (IV, WI 5) which is a 160m high tiered waterfall!
Spray Falls
So we rope up and Pierre does the first pitch (WI4) which gets us to a snow basin, then walked up the basin and I did the next pitch (WI 4) which went up left and then cut out right to an ice cave (in the photo its the second vertical fall where there is a small gap in the ice) behind the free standing pillar which had a very nice fixed belay. Set the belay and Pierre sets off up the WI 5 crux pitch of vertical ice. One thing I can say is that WI 5 ice is full on vertical and very interesting with repect to foot work and tool placements!! Got to the top of this pitch and I lead the last pitch (the pitch seens at the top of the picture) which was a steep and narrow pitch but a very nice technical pitch with some nice rest holes haning out on my tools!!
Got to the top and 4 abbs on V-threads and back to the ground! Packup and walk out for beers and food back in Canmore!!!
As a first WI 5 route in Canada, I can definately say that ice climbing is all about swing, footwork and balance! That said, my triceps hurt today so its also in the arms!!
Posing at the side of the free hanging pillar!
Here in Canada, there is no shortage of really good climbers and there is always someone who wants to go climbing. A great climbing atmosphere here! So thats my ice update!! Hoping to get out on Sunday and Monday again but forecast if from -27 so will have to see what happens!!!
If anyone wants a few weeks ice climbing just contact me!!
Chat later
Frank
So the ice climbing season is starting to gather a bit of pace at the moment! I was out on ice about 2 weeks ago in a nice beginner area called King Creek. It was a nice easy climb really (Water Ice (WI) 2+/3-) and was tiered out so was not just a few samll steep steps. Was great to back into setting screws and swinging the axes so we jsut did a few laps of that to get back into the swing of things!!
King Creek
So Monday night last, the adventure started!!
Got a phonecall at 10:30pm from a friend who knew a guy who wanted to climb ice on Tuesday (my day off!!!) and the plan was to meet in Canmore at 9am! So I live in Calgary (1 hour drive from Canmore) so hitching was the only option to get there in time cos no bus at that time! So 6:30 out of bed and on the highway for 7:30 and got to Canmore at 9.15am after an hiour standing on the road at -7!
Meet this swiss guy (Pierre was is actaully a swiss alpine guide) who is actually ends up been a swiss alpine guide and we drive to Banff and get sorted. 1.5 hours and a the start of the route called Spray River Falls (IV, WI 5) which is a 160m high tiered waterfall!
Spray Falls
So we rope up and Pierre does the first pitch (WI4) which gets us to a snow basin, then walked up the basin and I did the next pitch (WI 4) which went up left and then cut out right to an ice cave (in the photo its the second vertical fall where there is a small gap in the ice) behind the free standing pillar which had a very nice fixed belay. Set the belay and Pierre sets off up the WI 5 crux pitch of vertical ice. One thing I can say is that WI 5 ice is full on vertical and very interesting with repect to foot work and tool placements!! Got to the top of this pitch and I lead the last pitch (the pitch seens at the top of the picture) which was a steep and narrow pitch but a very nice technical pitch with some nice rest holes haning out on my tools!!
Got to the top and 4 abbs on V-threads and back to the ground! Packup and walk out for beers and food back in Canmore!!!
As a first WI 5 route in Canada, I can definately say that ice climbing is all about swing, footwork and balance! That said, my triceps hurt today so its also in the arms!!
Posing at the side of the free hanging pillar!
Here in Canada, there is no shortage of really good climbers and there is always someone who wants to go climbing. A great climbing atmosphere here! So thats my ice update!! Hoping to get out on Sunday and Monday again but forecast if from -27 so will have to see what happens!!!
If anyone wants a few weeks ice climbing just contact me!!
Chat later
Frank