MIXED PROGRAMS:

Mixed climbing is the art of moving over the frozen mediums of Ice and Rock. ‘Classic’ mixed climbing originated in the mountain environments and is a skill needed on many alpine faces. ‘Modern’ mixed, a fairly new style of climbing, was developed as a way to climb all the “not quite formed” ice routes. Modern mixed takes classic mixed terrain, steepens the angle, transfers it to a cragging area, and is often protected by bolts. In some aspects, it is the “sport climbing” version of winter climbing. A modern mixed route will have as much rock as ice, the rock is climbed by “drytooling”- hooking your ice axes and crampons on rock ledges and cracks. Winter climbers now seek out mixed routes for the visceral positions, increased challenge, and endless variety that they offer.

Mixed climbing has been changing the world of winter climbing. Often their will be as many climbers on mixed routes as ice routes at the local winter crags. Mixed climbing skills learned at the crags can also be used in alpine environments on classic mixed terrain. In fact, mixed skills will help improve your Ice climbing abilities. Mixed experience is a needed asset to the all round climber as well as the winter specialist. Most importantly it is a whole lot of fun…. Come see why!

We offer single and multipitch mixed climbing routes for those with previous experience. These are the wildest lines in the world, don’t be surprised to be drytooling out a 10 foot roof 300 feet off the ground....For those of you wanting to gain experience, or an introduction to this niche, check out our:

Mixed Clinics

Your guide, Rob Owens, has repeated some of the world’s hardest ice and mixed routes including “The Rocky Mountain Horror Show” M11+. On the Ice Comp. circuit Rob has earned top finishes: 2nd place(2003), 4th place(2004) Ouray Ice Comp. 1st place Canmore Ice Climbing Festival (2001 ice, 2003 mixed). In 2004 Rob was the top North American finisher in both Ouray and Canmore amongst the Worlds Best climbers.

Our two day clinics offer lowest ratio(2:1), customized, climbing instruction. Clinics are based at the famous “mixed crags” throughout the Canadian Rockies. Close to the towns of Banff and Canmore these venues allow for strong coffee starts, “cold stone cranking” during the day and dark beer with fine cooked meals at night….classic Canadian Rockies climbing culture. With the small group size we are able to customize the clinics to your needs, desires, and dreams!

Level 1: Mixed Master’s: Intro to mixed climbing

Ideal for those looking to try out his exciting new sport and expand their climbing skills. With some basic mixed climbing instruction you will greatly increase what is possible at the crag or in the mountains.

This course will take you through the basics of ‘classic mixed’ and into the world of ‘modern mixed’ climbing. You will scrape, smear, swing, dangle, dry tool….all with the grace of a ballet dancer!

Fun will be had!

Dates: 2 day clinic now offered every weekend November to April

Level 2: Mixed Monster’s: Taking it to another level

If you’ve already been introduced to mixed climbing and want to bump up your skills and performance then this is the course for you. After ensuring you have a solid foundation, we will explore the specialty techniques of modern mixed climber: figure 4’s, leashless tools, heal spurs, verglass, and ‘alpine’ mixed techniques. Our goal is to have you moving confidently and efficiently on the sickest terrain. Do expect to get pumped!!

A perfect follow up to the Intro course.

Dates: 2 day clinic now offered every weekend November to April

Sign up now by contacting Rob@rockies-ice.com