Intro to Ice Climbing with Sarah Hueniken - Sunday, Nov 29, 2026

The Basics:
Event Type: Course 
Event Location: TBD depending on ice conditions 
Date(s) & Time:   Sunday, Nov 29, 2026 07:00 AM  
Registration Cut Off:   Saturday, Nov 21, 2026  
Event Duration: 1 Day 
Difficulty Rating:   D1 - See Conversion Chart  
Trip Coordinator(s):   Julie Morter
 

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:   Members Only  
Attendee Screening:   Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size: 6
Maximum No. Guests: 0
Minimum Group Size: 4
Maximum No. Guests Per Member: 0
Number Registered So Far:   0 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:   No

Itinerary:

This 1 day intro to ice course is aimed at learning the basics of Ice Climbing. The course also works greats for those looking to get back into the "swing" of things under a Guide's supervision. 

What will be covered: All the basics including, how to swing your tool, how to kick and use your feet, how to walk in crampons, belaying and tying in, basic efficient movement skills on a variety of ice angles...lots of practice climbing and improving technique. Sarah can also provide helpful input into the best ways to layer clothing, choose gloves and stay warm out there.

Where? This course is often run at Junkyards, Wedge Smear or King Creek depending on conditions.

Payment is required to reserve a spot on this course. Please pay using the 'Pay Now' button the event page, which will be visible once your registration is confirmed.


Notes:

Hazards 

 

Rockfall and Icefall

What are the Risks

Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking)

Hazard Mitigation

Mitigated with certified and experienced guides, Helmets

 

 

Communication and Rescue

What are the Risks

Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available| Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field 

If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow|

Hazard Mitigation

First Aid / Rescue Training| Satellite Communications | 

 

 

Terrain

What are the Risks

Cornices | Crevasses | Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps | Cliffs | Creeks | Rocks and Boulders |Holes and depressions below the snow surface| Variable and difficult snow conditions |Snowcat roads and road ranks | Fences and other man-made structures | Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects | Encounters with domestic or wild animals | Loss of balance or control | Becoming lost or separated from the group | Slips, trips, and falls|

Hazard Mitigation

Mitigated by Trained and experienced Guide| Radios

 

 

General Hazards 

What are the Risks

Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor| Equipment failure| Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact| Negligence of other persons, including other guests| Negligent first aid| Negligence of the guide Including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities|

Hazard Mitigation

Developed safety plans and procedures with decades of experience managing risk.

 

 

Falls and Belaying

What are the Risks

Mountaineering and ice climbing present the risk of falling from the wall causing the climber to collide with the wall or ground which can lead to injury or death| The risk of a belay failure is also present which can contribute to a ground fall|

Hazard Mitigation

Reviewing best practices with the guide| Equipment checks|



Required Items to Bring:
Harness, helmet, ice tools, crampons pre- adjusted to boots, boots suitable for ice climbing, locking carabiner and belay device.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Warm belay jacket,extra gloves, lunch, thermos with hot drinks, sun screen, camera, etc.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:   Sarah will contact the group the 3 or 4 days before the course   


Payment Options:
  • Member $236.25 CAD
Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our participant responsibility guidelines!


Cancellation Policy
If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Calgary Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.

Trip Feedback
If you have any feedback, positive or negative, concerning this trip or any other, we want to hear from you! You can send any feedback you may have to the Section Chair.

Waiver and Membership Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.

A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.

The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.

SIGN UP HERE
The trip coordinator needs to review and accept your application for this event. Add yourself to the waiting list here.


Never (not until the event has passed) 
2 Days Before Event  
7 Days Before Event  
I have read and agree to the waiver requirements set out above. I also agree that as a Member, my ACC Waiver in place at the time of this activity will apply to my participation in such activity.

I have read and understand the risks, dangers and hazards associated with this event found on the registration page. I understand that there are many risks, dangers and hazards associated with this activity and am signing up for this event knowing the risks, dangers and hazards that exist and am freely accepting them.