Intro to Backcountry Ice Climbing, Montana

Join MAA in Hyalite Canyon for a stellar weekend of back-country ice climbing. This area is famous for accessible and varied ice climbing in a backcountry mountain setting. We'll work on ice climbing technique as well as addressing some leading and multi-pitch climbing, as experience and conditions allow. This is a favorite location for MAA members. Our local event leader Paul knows the area well so he can designate just the right climbs for an amazing weekend. Recommended for those with ICE 1 or equivalent experience, who have at least some time on the ice. Loaner gear may be available to paid members upon prior arrangement. Maximum of 6 participants. 

Screened Event: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on MAA profile. Those registered will be notified by email.

DETAILS:

• DATES: Saturday, March 27th to Monday, March 29th, 2021. Travel days are Friday March 26th and Tuesday, March 30th. 
• LOCATION: Hyalite Canyon, near Bozeman, Montana
• COST: Event is free, each participant will arrange own travel and lodging, carpooling and shared lodging is encouraged. 
• EVENT LEADER: Paul Shaughnessy, paul@mountainascent.org, (406) 451-8200
• MIN / MAX: 2/6
• PERSONAL GEAR: Members are encouraged to use your own equipment. If you're missing something, club loaner gear may be available (except footwear), upon prior arrangement. Please let Darren know if you need something, darren@mountainascent.org (916) 872-3399
• WHAT TO BRING: Warm mountain boots, sharp steel crampons, sharp ice tools, harness, belay device, eye protection, 2 locking biners, slings, any personal lead climbing or anchor building equipment, cold weather clothing, shell layers, multiple socks and gloves, pack, travel clothes. If you have a rope or ice screws you can share with the team, please bring.
• MEDICAL: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
• TRAVEL: Each person is responsible for their travel to Bozeman, either driving or flying. This will be coordinated as a group. 
• LODGING: Individually determined, we can coordinate this as a group.

ITINERARY:

• PRIOR: Monday March 15th 7:30 pm Conference / video call to coordinate logistics.
• Friday, March 26th: Complete travel to Bozeman, Montana. Meet up at a mutual location (TBD), and prepare for the weekend.
• Saturday, March 27th - Monday, March 29th: Climbing single and multi-pitch back-country ice in teams of 2 or 3, generally from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, returning to Bozeman each night.  
• Flying / driving home: can happen anytime after 5:00 pm Monday evening. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.
  

• Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

• Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

• As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

• All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training. 

• Travel arrangements are separate. Flights can be arranged to Cody, remember winter time flights into Wyoming can be unreliable. Driving may also be hampered by winter storms and road closures.

For more information or questions about this climbing event, please contact the listed event leaders, or darren@mountainascent.org, or (916) 872-3399.