Shop Eastern Mountain Sports

Reservations 800-310-4504

EMS

Follow us on

Our Locations Rock Climbing Ice Climbing Mountaineering Overnights Information
HOME > LAKE PLACID > ICE CLIMBING >

ICE CLIMBING 401- Alpine Gullies

  • Practicing previously learned skills on a semi-committing route
  • Fine tuning efficiency in the mountain environment
  • Basic avalanche hazard assessment


  • This course is less about learning new skills and more about “putting it all together” on long classics in the Adirondacks of New York.

    You’ll use your mountaineering skills, ice climbing skills and “mountain sense,” as well as your fitness and endurance to maximum efficiency. Your decision-making will also be tested – especially your avalanche hazard assessment skills as you push yourself to exciting new levels in some of the most starkly beautiful and challenging settings in the East.
    Ice Climbing 401
    Course offered 7 days a week:
    $275 + $100 each additional person

    Special Group Rate:
    $150 per person on these dates
    2011 dates coming soon!


    Start/ End: 9am to approximately 4pm. Groups will meet at the Lake Placid EMS
    Includes: ice axes, crampons, plastic double boots, helmet, harness, professional instruction

    Does Not Include: lodging, transportation, meals, personal gear and clothing

    Prerequisite: Mountaineering 201, Ice Climbing 201 or similar experience

    Driving Directions

    Local Information Guide

    Equipment List for Ice Climbing 401- Alpine Gullies
    EMS Climbing School Provides: All technical equipment including, plastic double boots, harness, helmet, crampons, ice axes, and snowshoes.
    You Provide: (Required) In these courses, you will be going above treeline and will be exposed to the elements. In this environment, it is essential that you pay closer attention to being dressed appropriately for your personal safety. Dressing in layers works the best. This way, you can take off or add on any layers to adjust to the changing environment as you heat up and cool down. Wearing your “winter coat” or heavy “snow pants” is not the best choice when trying to dress in layers. Most likely, you will overheat when being active and you’ll end up sweating and expending more energy than needed.

    Cotton has no place in your winter layering system: it keeps you cold if you sweat and it takes a long time to dry out. Synthetic fabrics or wool keep you warmer when they become wet with sweat and certain synthetic base layers are designed to wick the sweat away from your skin to keep you drier and warmer. In order to make your experience more enjoyable, please do not wear any cotton as layering pieces. Also, remember, you have to carry all your clothing with you, so packing efficiently is important. If you can't wear it all at once, you don’t need to bring it. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call 800-310-4504. We expect that you will be dressed and ready to go upon arrival to your lesson.
    * indicates rental item from the climbing school or retail store. Call 800-310-4504 to discuss rental needs. Not all EMSCS locations are equipped with rental gear. Please inquire at the time of your reservation.
  • Base Layer
    (top and bottom)
    Light to mid-weight synthetics, snug fit and close to skin, eg. EMS® Techwick®.
  • Over-Base Layer
    (top and bottom)
    Light-weight fleece or heavy-weight EMS® Techwick®. Power-Stretch and micro-fleece are ideal materials for this layer. No heavy, 300 weight fleece trousers—you will be over-dressed.
  • Insulation Layer
    (jacket only)
    200 to 300 weight fleece, heavy weight soft shell or Prima-Loft sweater
  • Uninsulated Waterproof/breathable Shell
    (jacket and pants)
    EMS System III, Gortex®, or similar waterproof/breathable material. Jacket MUST have an integrated hood. Flimsy “stow-away” nylon hoods are not adequate. Full side zip pants are helpful.
  • "Over-It-All"
    (jacket)
    A.K.A. "Puffy" --Hooded, Down or Prima-Loft Jacket.
  • Gloves/Mittens
    (2 pair)
    Either warm gloves or mittens.
  • Fleece Hat
  • *Backpack
    2,000 to 3,000 cubic inches
  • Wool/Synthetic Socks
    (1 pair)
  • *Gaiters
    These should fit around your entire calf as well as fit over your pant layering system and a plastic ice climbing boot. Summer hiking gaiters will not fit over plastic boots and leg layers.
  • Balaclava
  • *Ski Goggles
  • Neoprene Facemask
    No “windproof” face masks. Must be neoprene for the best prevention against frostbite.
  • Headlamp
  • Lunch
    Peanut butter and jelly, cheese and pepperoni…whatever you normally eat on the trail. Temps may be well below freezing, so choose food accordingly, and make sure you can open it and eat it with gloves on.
  • Snacks
    Trail mix and energy bars
  • Water 1-2 liters
    Use a wide-mouth Nalgene plastic bottle. No thin plastic Poland Spring bottles, water bladder hydration systems, or metal water bottles.
  • Sunwear
    Sunglasses and Sun-block
  • Optional Items
    Camera
    Light-weight thermos (1 liter max, with a hot drink in it)
    Water Bottle Insulator (old "clean" socks work well)
    Hand/Foot Warmers
    Trekking Poles
    Money for Souvenirs! (Climbing School t-shirts, travel mugs, ceramic mugs and water bottles available)

  • Missing anything on this list?
    Don't forget your 20% discount EMS coupon that comes with your Climbing School confirmation letter!