• Wear winter clothing and lots of layers (what you would wear to the ski hill)
• Please arrive with lunch, water, a full tank of gas, and be ready to adventure 

In this course, you will begin developing the strategic, technical, and mental skills needed for leading on ice. The focus is on thoughtful screw placement, moving confidently through varied terrain, and learning the systems required for leading and bailing. You’ll also practice mock leads and learn how to be a strong, reliable lead belayer.

Objectives: 

Lead Strategies & Screw Placement:

• Screw placement and separation
• Protecting bulges & top-outs
• Climbing over bulges in control
• Ice assessment & line choice

Climber Mindset:

• Presence
• Movement vs. system based protection

Egress & Bailing:

• Bailing progression on top rope; find stance – place screw – build & test thread – rappel
• Cord vs no-thread

Lead Belayer Integrity & Safety:

• Belayer position for leading
• Ground anchor to maintain belayer integrity – outside icefall zone and strong catching position