Daughter of Ice
Contents
Introduction
Daughter of Ice is an annual introduction to ice climbing trip. Lots of climbing ice on top-rope with some basic pointers on technique as well as some ice anchor practice. Along with that you will camp overnight nearby and have all sorts of merriment around the fire.
When
DOI is held mid/Late January through mid/Late February depending on conditions. Sometimes multiple trips of the same nature are ran per year. It is highly recommended to drive out the Friday night to make the most of the weekend.
Where
Most likely Marble Canyon which is north of Lillooet on the 99. Its a pretty far drive (4-5 hours from Vancouver with good road conditions) but its worth it. The ice forms here reliably and its one of the few top-ropeable ice crags on the coast. Its also only a 10 minute walk from the climbs to the campsite which is free in the winter and allows for fires.
Pre-requisites...
All students should have some experience rock climbing. Knowing how to top-rope belay is essential. You will be cold, especially in the evenings be ready for this. On the 2014 trip temperatures were -20'C overnight.
Pre-trip meeting
Mandatory if you are coming on the trip, in order for me to know you are coming for sure. You'll be marked as "going" upon your attendance-if you can't make it please have someone represent you, or shoot me an email. When/where this is on the signup tool.
Gear
- Mountaineering boots
- Harness
- Belay device and a locking biner to go with it
- Helmet (MUST! I'm not letting anybody climb/near the cliff without one
- Crampons
- Ice tools if you've got them.
- Waterproof clothing
- Gloves (lots of pairs if you've got them, thin ones for climbing and thick ones to thaw your hands while belaying)
- Toque
- Headlamp
- Stuff for camping outside in the winter ( i.e. warm sleeping bag, tent etc)
- Firewood if you know somewhere to get it free/cheap (Note, buying firewood around Lillooet is challenging consider bringing it from Vancouver)
The Club has some plastic mountaineering boots, as well as harnesses, helmets and crampons (try to get the nice rigid ones). You need, however, to have your own belay device and some locking biners to go with it. If you have some slings, quickdraws, daisychains etc, it can't hurt to bring those too. Hopefully the club will have a few more sets of tools for the trip but if you can get your hands on a pair from someone then bring them.
Instructors will be responsible for bringing ropes, screws and draws/extenders/screamers but if you have your own and you want to play with them then feel free.
Student Sign Up
Student sign-up can be found on the voc website, under the sign-up tool. Number of participants will be limited. It will be first come first serve based on the committed list.
Instructor Sign up
If you have previous experience ice climbing and can help set up top rope anchors email the trip organizer.
Driving Instructions
The #1 though hope is often faster in the winter than driving the duffy even though its longer. Up to the driver which route to take.
Winter tires are now required by law for this highway.
Photos
Lee took a lot of photos from the trip in 2011. You can view them on Flikr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eljaydub/sets/72157626002163654/
Disclaimer
There are many inherent risks in ice climbing. VOC 'instructors' are not certified ACMG guides, just folks who want to share their love of climbing cool frozen stuff. Everyone is ultimately responsible for their own actions.
Ice climbing is also highly dependent on conditions, therefore the location of this trip could be subject to change
