Women’s Clinic Sponsor

Bringing the fun and skill of ice climbing together with the unique spirit of an all female event makes this the “Hottest Women’s Clinic on Ice!” This year, with generous support from Outdoor Research we have one of the strongest lineups ever! We are excited to bring back Jennie Wall, Margo Talbot, and Sarah Hueniken from Outdoor Research, Kitty Calhoun from Patagonia, Dawn Glanc from La Sportiva, Mattie Sheafor of Marmot, World Cup competitor Kendra Stritch and more to be announced. These amazing women will teach skills ranging from very basic beginner to multi-pitch efficiency and mixed climbing. Come find your inner goddess with these clinics created by women for women.

“It was so inspiring! I participated in the Women’s Only Day and learned/achieved so much! Our instructors/guides were amazing…first class all the way. Met some wonderful individuals from all over the world too. Definitely the most positive experience I have ever had sharing a rope with someone.”
- Robin, 2010 women’s clinic participant

Clinic Price Includes: Free demos of the best dang gear on the planet including boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, helmets and clothing (pick up the night before at the Emerson Ballroom). 5+ hours of on-ice instruction by world class athletes and guides. Admission to nightly slide shows, a raffle ticket for free gear, a bunch of additional swag, and discounts on Ice Climbing Equipment from our awesome sponsors.

So why the limited numbers? Despite featuring 160 routes within two miles of the parking lot, we work hard to keep the guide:student ratio low and provide plenty of opportunity to catch another lap and hang with your peers and heroes.

2012 WOMEN’S CLINIC DESCRIPTIONS: Friday December 7

The Fire Starter: Intro to Ice 101

Everyone has to start somewhere and this clinic is the spark new climbers need. We will discuss the basics of climbing gear, talk about knots and harnesses, discuss basic climbing technique, and then delve into ice climbing specifics skills like crampon use and technique, body position, and axe placement and techniques.

Ice Goddess: Beginner Ice Climbing 102

If you have rock climbed but have never swung an axe before, this one’s for you. Start at the beginning with the fundamentals of ice and gear. Learn from the best ladies in the business as they introduce you (or remind you) on how to start things right. Learn everything from basic equipment introductions and fundamental body position to curing the “Screaming Barfies.” You can be a novice first-timer or anyone that has tried it a few times and needs a refresher.

Ultimate Isis: Ice Climbing 202

In many respects, ice climbing is about managing strength resources and mitigating pump, regardless of how many pull ups you can do, or not. Anyone with sausage fingers and half a brain can bash their way up an ice climb, but it won’t be pretty. The morning will be spent on steep ice up to WI 5 where you will learn the tips and techniques on how use body position and strategy to milk your strength and endurance, you mountain goatess. The second half of the day will evolve into several specialty mini-clinics (see descriptions below).

The second half of the day at G1 will be split into specialty mini-clinics introducing mixed and rock climbing with ice tools, anchors, and other secrets of the pros. Anyone from the 101, 102 and 202 classes can participate (see descriptions).

• Mini Clinic – “Mountaineer” : Rock Climbing with Crampons

  Want to take your climbing to the snowed up and iced over mountains but not up for M 10, then this is the clinic for you. Most of the classic “mixed” climbs found everywhere from Granite Peak to Gasherbrum don’t require figure fours and one arm pull ups. In fact, more time is spent balancing on crampons with your hands doing more pushing than pulling. Learn and practice the skills you need to travel fast and efficiently in the mountains. This mini-clinic will be taught near Genesis I on several different rock features from low angle stuff to quite steep.

• Mini-Clinic – “Anchor Therapy” : Anchors Assessment & Protection Placement

  We all know piece of mind comes from feeling secure. This half day clinic will be taught by some of climbing’s top therapists hoping to improve your relationship and trust levels of ice screw and natural gear placement as well as anchor construction, all without having to talk about your mother. Learn the tricks used by the pros to stay quick, efficient and safe from Hyalite to Patagonia. Sanity is Subjective.

Step it up: The Vertical Runway Clinic
 201

It is no secret the most important thing in leading ice is looking good. Join some of this nation’s top ice models in perfecting your own flawless style on easy Grade 3 ice to challenging Grade 5. This clinic will emphasize safe and efficient placements, recommended equipment, lead climbing practices, how to keep looking good even if you hang on the rope, and of course important fashion tips. For those aspiring to improve their climbing confidence and look great doing it, this full day clinic is designed for you. So come put on some miles, vertically and horizontally, and really polish your skills.

Full Value Meal Deal: Trad Rock and Ice Mixed Master 301

This menu includes a bit of everything served up on one of Hyalite’s most diverse venues with no name. This clinic is designed to challenge the intermediate to advanced climber determined to improve their skills on everything from naturally protected mixed climbs, to moving quickly on fatty flows, to thin intricate ice smears. Don’t forget to save some room for a burly mixed cave route for desert. Use of really cool toys included in price of purchase. Offer may not be good in the South Fork, Ouray, Frankenstein, the U.P., or the Junkyards. Purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Leaving the Nest: The Mountain Mistress 302

This full day clinic is designed to teach a wide array of skills preparing the inexperienced climber to ditch the classes/guide/instructor, show you around Hyalite and gain more climbing independence. Starting in the parking lot, learn everything from terrain assessment and clothing recommendations, packing your pack, to safe top roping, belaying and anchor construction. Of course, lots of climbing is included.