2011-2012 Ice Climbing and Mountaineering Courses

Surrounded by some of the best frozen waterfall ice in the nation, if not the world, Vermont is a Mecca for all those who climb ice. Join us to find out what you are missing.

Go to the backcountry & ski mountaineering or AIARE Avalanche training pages instead.

Ice Climbing

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Call us toll-free at 1-866-65-PETRA or register online.

Beginning Ice I

Learn about the exhilarating sport of climbing ice! Along with a skilled instructor, you will learn how to move over easy to moderate terrain. Top-roped climbing allows the freedom to master belaying, rappelling, and climbing skills. No climbing experience necessary.

Dates:   December 17 (condition dependent), January 7, February 18, March 10
Times:   9am - 4pm
Cost:   $ 165, includes all technical equipment

Beginning Ice II

A perfect follow-up to Beginning Ice I, this comprehensive course is for those wanting to refine their climbing technique on steeper and more challenging terrain. Learn how to build ice anchors, how to rappel from them, and experience an easy multi-pitch route.

Dates:   December 18 (condition dependent), January 8, February 19, March 11
Times:   9am - 4pm
Cost:   $ 190, includes all technical equipment, 2:1 participant to guide ratio

Women's Ice Climbing

Winter Open Enrollment Courses

Our for-women-by-women ice climbing class is a great way to learn about the exhilarating sport of climbing ice - in a no-pressure environment. Women's Ice I is open to ladies of all ages and abilities. Join us and learn how to move over easy to moderate terrain using crampons and ice axes.

Dates:   January 21, February 11, March 3
Times:   9am - 4pm
Cost:   $ 165, includes all technical equipment

Adirondack Ice

The Adirondack Park is roughly the size of New Hampshire and offers a lifetime of ice climbing ascents. Join Petra Cliffs guides as they take you on a tour on New York's finest road side ice. Short approaches means more time on the ice and less slogging, allowing you to log more vertical. Let our guides show their favorite place to climb in the northeast!

Dates:   February 25
Times:   9am - 4pm
Cost:   $ 220

Ice Climbing Huntington Ravine, Mt. Washington NH

There are few places in the world that beg to be climbed as much as Huntington Ravine on Mt. Washington. The Ravine has everything a winter climber lusts after- steep snow lines like Central Gully, classeics like Pinnacle Gully, and long ice routes like O'Del's and Damnation. Come and explore New Hampshire's ultimate winter playground!

Dates: March 24
Times: 9am - 4pm
Cost: $220

Introduction to Mountaineering

Learn the fundamentals of safe winter travel over snow and ice! Components of instruction include use of crampons and ice axes, rope management skills, glissading and self-arrest techniques.

Dates:   January 28
Times:   9am - 4pm
Cost:   $ 165, includes all technical equipment

Advanced Mountaineering: Mt. Washington Winter Ascent

A perfect follow-up to Intro to Mountaineering or for those with experience traveling in steep winter environments. Mt. Washington offers an extreme training ground to pracice your avalanche awareness, walking and climbing in crampons, white-out navigation planning and terrain selection- all while ascending the highest peak in the Northeast in all its glory!

Dates:   February 26
Times:   approx. 9am - 4pm, tbd
Cost:   $ 220, includes all technical equipment


AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education) Avalanche Training Courses Levels I & II

Dates, Itineraries and Pricing:


AIARE Three-Day Level I Course: Decision-Making in Avalanche Terrain

AIARE Four-Day Level II Course: Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard


For more information please contact us at Petra Cliffs Climbing Center 105 Briggs Street Burlington, VT 05401 or give us a toll-free call at (866) 65-PETRA.

All courses begin at Petra Cliffs Climbing Center at 9:00 am and return by 4:00 pm. Prices include all technical equipment and professional instruction but do not include 7% sales tax.

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