Outdoor Adventure - Ice Climbing

Registration Now Open

WHEN: Saturday, February 8, 2020

SCHEDULE & COST:

Each trip is unique, but we typically depart campus at 7am and return between 4pm and 8pm. More details will become available as the trip nears, but a hard-and-fast return time is impossible. The ice climbing trips involve two stops in Lincoln, NH, to rent boots and crampons (and then return them), which for the moment limits our potential trip areas.

Cost: $15  *Please note: 6 students is the minimum, or this trip will be cancelled. Maximum is 14 students. If you would like to join but have a financial hardship, email the Recreation Coordinator jacon.mayer@wellesley.edu  Lunch is provided.

TRIP AREA: We typically climb short water ice flows in Franconia Notch or Kinsman Notch, NH. Climbs vary from 30-100’ in length and offer a variety of steepness and difficulty.

A NOTE ON RISK: Ice climbing is slightly more dangerous than rock climbing, mostly because the environment is an additional hazard. Good warmth management is key to a safe and successful day. There is also a slightly higher risk of injury from falling ice (vs. falling rock), and many sharp tools that require careful use, but as this is a top-roping environment, the risk of injury from falls is identical to the rock-climbing trip and to the Wellesley climbing wall.

PREREQS & LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students are expected to be belay-certified at the Wellesley climbing wall - Students will learn basic ice-climbing technique, including crampon use, ice tool use and climbing movement - Students will practice layering techniques for safely staying warm and dry in the backcountry.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Students should bring the layers they would use to go skiing, plus an extra warm “belay jacket” to go over everything. Multiple pairs of gloves are nice to have, and sunglasses or eye protection is a must. Extra warm but tight-fitting socks will make the climbing warmer and easier.