The Waterfall Ice Climbing and Rescue Workshop is a specialized training workshop focusing on the techniques and subtleties of ice climbing and waterfall ice rescue practices. Content often includes:

• ice screw placements and evaluation
• Abalakovs (aka V-Threads)
• a critical evaluation of load limiting quickdraws (aka rip apart runners)
• ice climbing technique refinement
• bottom-up rescue and lead climbing strategies
• pickoffs
• companion rescue including rescuing the ‘leader’ and rescuing the ‘second’
• belay escapes and various transfer-of-tension methods
• terrain evaluation
• multi-pitch techniques and transitions
• patient packaging for the winter environment
• the use of deflection lines to deviate around hazardous terrain
• team movement on ice
• and much more

The above list is not exhaustive, nor is it a checklist. One of the hallmark traits of a Rigging for Rescue program is the flexible curriculum. Specific techniques & topics covered are influenced by the overall participant mix and their interests. Each Rigging for Rescue seminar or workshop is a custom experience.

Waterfall Ice Rescue Workshop PPE check-list:

Please make sure each participant comes prepared with:

• Food/hydration for the day
• Appropriate clothing/footwear
  • Warm, rugged winter clothing including a shell coat/pant
  • Hard sole mountain boots (for crampons)
  • Hat/buff/thin & thick winter gloves
  • Puffy jacket
  • Headlamp
• Notepad/pen

Required Personal Gear (Assume 1 of every item, unless stated otherwise)

• Helmet
• Harness
• Leather Gloves (1 pair)
• Backpack
• Personal Decent Control Device (ATC, Grigri or equivalent)
• Locking carabiners (4-6)
• Non-locking carabiners (3-4)
• Sewn Runners (120 cm, 2)
• Prusik (VT Prusik 8mm or equivalent)
• Personal Anchor System
• 6mm cord (10 meters)
• 8mm cord (10 meters)
• 25mm webbing (5 meters)
• Pulley (Mini prusik minding pulley, 1-2)
• Knife
• First aid kit

Ice Climbing Related (Assume 1 of every item, unless stated otherwise)

• Ice tools (1 pair)
• Ice screw (16-19 cm, 1)
• Crampons (1 pair)
• V-Thread Tool

We want to see what you use, how and why. We are looking for the best possible way to rig and conduct rescue.  Printed materials, video clips of trainings, and favorite rescue books are all welcome additions to the seminar. Active participation is the best way to foster a rich and rewarding learning environment.

We’ll begin on the first day of each workshop for an initial ‘meet & greet’ and workshop introduction. The training will continue for five full days (40+ hours) beginning at 0800 on Monday and ends at approximately 16:30 on Friday afternoon. Each participant is responsible for their own transportation, personal equipment, food, and accommodation.

This workshop will include low participant-to-instructor ratios and a classroom located right in the heart of the Ouray Ice Park.

Fees: $1,540 USD. A deposit of $450 US is required upon registration with final payment due two months prior to the workshop start date. Includes a maximum 4:1 participant-to-instructor ratio while on the ice.