Ice Climbing Lee Vining, ICE 1, ICE 2

Join MAA members at the classic ice crag in Lee Vining Canyon for ice climbing on top rope! Prior experience climbing ice and snow is helpful, participants will be expected to know how to tie in and belay safely. Some training on basic ice climbing technique and anchoring will be provided (ICE 1, ICE 2). Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 8. Hope to have you out with us!

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.

DETAILS:

What's happening: FRIDAY Ice climbing at Chouinard Falls, in Lee Vining Canyon. Top rope belays. 4 mile approach over snowy roads, trails and snow-covered boulders, possible difficult stream crossings. We may also elect to climb in June Lake if conditions are better.

Where to meet: Lee Vining Mobil Gas Station, 22 Vista Point Dr. at 6:00 am. We'll caravan to the road closure and walk 2 miles up the snowy road to the Poole Power Plant, and 2 more miles up the canyon to the crags.

The approach: May take 2 hours or more. Bring snowshoes or skis. If you are attending both Friday and Saturday, you may want to camp out in the canyon. 

Event Leader: Darren Shutt (916) 872-3399, darren@mountainascent.org

Minimum / Maximum: 2,8

What to bring: Mountaineering boots, sharp crampons, ice tools, harness, helmet, belay device, snowshoes, warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, puffy jacket, lunch, water, pack, snowshoes or skis, trekking poles. Crampons and ice tools may be provided by MAA. Let Darren know if you need gear.  

Additional Info: If conditions are not good or unsafe, this event may be cancelled or altered, even with very little notice. Driving on winter roads is hazardous, carry chains and plan extra time for travel.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

• This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

• MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

• 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.