Prospector
Falls
Ice climbing is both an end in itself and a valuable skill for expanding your alpine climbing repertoire. The frozen backcountry waterfalls of the Teton area offer an unforgettable setting in which to learn to climb or to refine your ice climbing skills. The climbs are worthy goals in and of themselves.
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Ice climbing is arguably the most rewarding aspect of mountaineering, relying on mental stamina and physical agility as well as a command of technique and equipment. Acquiring a basic foundation of ice climbing skills opens the door to interesting and challenging winter climbs and alpine climbs around the world.
The mountains of northwest Wyoming offer ice and mixed climbing for all ability levels. Climbs are scattered throughout the Tetons and Wind River Mountains. Those in the Tetons require an approach over snow, either by snowshoe or skis, while most climbs in the Wind Rivers can be approached on foot.
All climbs are located in spectacular alpine settings devoid of crowds. In fact, you'll likely not see a single other person on your outings. We keep ratios low with no more than two clients per guide in order to assure you get premium instruction and a guide's focused attention during your entire climb.
Taken as a whole, the approach plus the climb are excellent preparation for ice and alpine climbing anywhere in the world.
Our most popular program includes two days of ice climbing in the Lake Louise area of the Wind River Mountains, just outside of Dubois, Wyoming. The first day includes all the basics, from gear recommendations to basic footwork and rope work to proper tool use, reading the ice, removing protection and more. The second day involves a four or five pitch ascent up a spectacular ice gully with both easy and moderately difficult options. Overnight accommodations can be made in a hotel in Dubois or you can car camp at the trail head.
Rates
One-day trips: $310 for one, $195 each for two
Two-day trips: $325 for one, $220 each per day for two
(food included)
Two-day Dubois trips: $600 for one, $760 for two (accommodations, food, and transport not included)
Death
Canyon
When
avalanche danger is low, we can ski into this deep cleft of rock and ice to
access the well-known Prospector Falls (II WI 3+), The Nugget (I WI 4+), Dread
Falls (III WI 4), and the Three Stooges (I WI 3-4).
Depending on the season, there could be many other ice climbing options in the Tetons. Our winter manager or one of our winter guides can help choose a climb to suit your needs. Some could be rolled into multi-day, general mountaineering programs.
Lake
Louise Area
This is one of the best-known locales for ice climbing in the state. There
are at least three superb routes offering multiple pitches of moderate to
difficult ice, as well as the single-pitch Torrey Creek Hose (I WI 3) on which
to learn basic techniques for vertical ice. There are also moderately angled
seeps along Torrey Creek to practice footwork and basic skills.
Since three hours of driving is required to reach the trailhead from Jackson, we recommend staying in a motel in Dubois, Wyoming and climbing for two days. Strong climbers may do day trips to the area with a predawn start from Jackson. Possible climbs include: Lake Louise Ice Gully (II WI 3+), Golden Tears (II WI 4+), Tackle-Miller (IV WI 5).
Grand
Teton and Alpine Ice Climbs
In early summer, the Stettner to the Ford Couloir offers a fantastic, easy
to moderate alpine ice climb to the summit of the Grand Teton. Other Teton
alpine ice classics include the Black Ice Couloir and the Northwest Couloir
on the Middle Teton.
Please call our office to enquire about ice conditions on these climbs before making any plans or reservations.
Prospector
Falls
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