Ice Climbing Course

The course takes place in Horcones, on the International Route and a short distance from Puente del Inca and Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance. Ice Climbing takes place in a frozen waterfall called Danger Zone about 50 -70 mts. high depending on the ice formation.The activity includes four consecutive days to develop techniques for ice climbing on frozen waterfalls in the Puente del Inca area.

Contents

  • Material and complete ice climbing equipment. Maintenance and uses.
  • Advanced techniques for handling axes and crampons.
  • Progression on different mixed slopes in snow and ice .
  • Axe technique traction, front point crampons technique.
  • Dynamic assurance: the importance and methods.
  • Dissipative tapes.
  • Assurance with double rope.
  • Installation of meeting point, assurance in snow, ice and rock.
  • Rappel fortuna system. Ice Bridges.
  • Introduction to Climbing in mixed terrain.
  • Knowledge of the terrain and nivology.

Itineraries
Departure 6:00 hs. | Return 21:00 hs.

Day 1
Performance on snow
Self-detention
Knots
Self-assurance

Day 2
Approach to the ice field
Crampons (field walking)
Self-detention with crampons
Axe traction
Practice self-insurance
Climbing in first place
Technical Equipment
Fall factor

Day 3
Screws, placement
Insurance systems
Ice bridge
Climbing in first place (Screws placed)
Overhaul
Conclusions

Day 4
Climbing in first place with: Screw Placement
Assembly System

Included
Instruction, equipment, ropes, harnes, quickdraw, ice screws, helmets, carabiners, descenders.

Not included
transportation, clothing, shelter and waterproof (w / whole body) boots for crampons, crampons, ice axes, sleeping bag (-15 º C) Insulation, personal items eg cup, plate covered, Thermo, Water bottle, Sunscreen lenses or glasses bag (40 liters or more).

Terms and Conditions
Know and practice the following knots (eight applied, eight double, dynamic, double fisherman or prusik Machard, clove) minimum knowledge of care and utilization of climbing equipment and personal gear. Good physical and psychological aptness, updated medical report. Appropriate clothing and equipment for freezing temperature conditions.

Suggestions
Light underwear // Long underpants // Underpants and turtleneck // Polypropylene or Capilene (cotton is not advisable) // Fleece baselayers // Fleece layer pants // It is advisable to wear lateral zipped garments to allow ventilation // Warm hooded jacket with Duvet or Thinsulate interior // Gore-Tex jacket waterproof and breathable with hood // Gore-Tex, waterproof, breathable pants // For your head // Hat and scarf to protect your neck // Lightweight polypropylene or Capilene balaclava // Wool or fleece ski type hat // Headlamp with extra bulb and batteries // 100% UV goggles with lateral protection // For your hands // 2 pairs of light polypropylene or fleece gloves // 1 pair of mittens // Wool, fleece or Gore-Tex mittens protectors. For your feet Trekking shoes // Mountain boots // Double plastic boots. Suggested: Koflach or Asolo // Gore-Tex gaiters. Thick socks (3 pairs). Wool or nylon socks designed for cold weather. Thin socks: 2 pairs of skin tight polypropylene socks. Backpack of 85 Lts.