Views from Winter in NC

When winter comes around, North Carolina has excellent ice climbing along the Blue Ridge Mountains.  AMI climbing guides can lead you through the experience of climbing technical ice.  Experience the thrill of swinging the picks into the ice curtains and stepping up with the crampons on waterfall ice. You will learn the different types of ice climbing gear, techniques of front pointing, flat footing, and swinging an axe, and the proper movement pattern for climbing ice efficiently. AMI can also teach you how to deal with the cold using the proper clothing and pace, how to read the ice, how to recognize the hazards and how to avoid them.

Beginner Ice Climbing

For those who are starting out in ice climbing, we offer single pitch climbing. Single pitch ice climbing is top roped from an anchor above.   This is an exciting way to experience ice climbing for the first time or for developing ice climbing movement skills, swinging an ice axe, or learning how to place and remove ice screws.   One will learn how to install your crampons and move safely and efficiently with them and more.  You learn under a safe environment with excellent instruction.

Multipitch Ice Climbing

Unbelievably, North Carolina has some long ice routes for multipitch ice climbing adventure.  Imagine climbing 800 feet of ice and experiencing the incredible winter views.  Climbing long winter ice routes is definitely a challenge you will remember.  Ice climbing Instruction from AMI will teach you the techniques required to make long ascent of ice routes.  Placing and removing ice screws, creating V- threads, resting and movement skills are all part of the game that multipitch ice climbers need to know.  Let AMI teach you how.   Check out the photo gallery for some great shots of ice climbing in NC and beyond.

If you are interested in a destination trip, check out the trip to New Hampshire.

Alpine Experience

This is for the hardy outdoor enthusiast.  Combine the long multipitch climbing with an overnight bivouac for the ultimate ice climbing experience.  This two day experience will blend ice climbing with winter camping for a true winter ice climbing experience.  You will spend the morning prepping the equipment.  From there, AMI will take you up one of the longer ice climbs alpine style.  Time will be spent swinging axes on vertical ice and having fun learning the ropes.  Camp will be set up at the summit so you can enjoy a true mountain morning sipping warm java.

Multipitch Ice climbing

The next day will be spent descending and more climbing on ice.  This experience will capture the complete winter ice climbing experience; from climbing ice, clothing, bivouacking and winter cooking.  This experience is near Asheville and Brevard, North Carolina.

Equipment you’ll need for the trip

• 15° sleeping bag (down preferred)
• Sleeping pad
• Winter clothing (PDF download)
• Head lamp
• 3000-4000 size pack
• 1 liter water bottle with insulating parka

If you need any of this equipment please let us know.  Most equipment can be rented.

Cost $500 for two days, one night

Includes

• Food
• Tent
• Climbing gear
• 2 days climbing, one overnight
• Ice climbing
• Instruction
• Fun

Testimonial

Patrick was a stellar ice climbing instructor who emphasized safety as well as technique. A pleasant combination of humor and business. Easily observable is his love of climbing and dedication to same. I have utilized the services of several high profile guide services, but Patrick Weaver was by far the most thorough and accommodating guide I have ever had the opportunity to climb with to date. I will, most assuredly, climb with him again in the near future.

Ed McCord

Check out the Ice Climbing Blog

Beginning Ice climbing Courses

AMI can teach you how to ice climbing.  Learn the equipment you’ll need, how to put on crampons, how to adjust ice axes and proper safety equipment for climbing.  Additionally, you will learn the proper techniques for moving over ice.  To learn more go to Beginner Ice Climbing Instruction.

Information

• Ice climbing is available during  winter conditions
• All climbing equipment can be provided
• You will need appropriate winter clothing