Introduction to Drytooling Skill Builder

Activity Notes

Introduction to Drytooling Skill Builder

Time: 6:30–9:00 PM

Cost: $20 (Mazamas Members) / $25 (Non-Members)

Ready to take your ice climbing to the next level? Join us for an evening session at the MMC/Holman facility focused on developing your drytooling skills — a powerful technique that blends rock and ice climbing movement. This clinic is perfect for climbers who want to build confidence and competence for technical alpine and mixed routes.

For those unfamiliar with this climbing style, the art of drytooling involves using ice tools to climb rock. It’s an essential skill for winter technical climbing on mixed routes that require both ice and rock movement — whether on a big alpine route or the walls at Ouray, Hyalite, or Canmore. During this session, we’ll demonstrate drytooling techniques, discuss movement strategies, and offer individualized feedback. Ice tools will be provided (you’re welcome to bring your own). Please bring your helmet, harness, belay device with locking carabiner, and rock climbing shoes.

Accepted participants will be charged $20 (members) or $25 (non-members).

Experience & Gear Requirements

• Participants with basic ice climbing experience will get the most from this session.
• Belay Skills: You must be able to belay independently.
• Gear Provided: Ice tools
• Please bring the following items: Harness, helmet, belay device (preferably an assisted-braking device, such as a GriGri), two locking carabiners, mountaineering boots, horizontal point crampons,
• Consider bringing rock climbing or approach shoes if for the routes of you wish.
• Consider bringing thin lightweight gloves to protect your hands (golf or batting gloves work well; thin ice or alpine gloves are fine too)

Experience: You must be able to belay independently

Schedule

We’ll begin at 6:30 PM with a short demonstration of drytooling techniques, followed by open climbing time. Our experienced volunteers will be available throughout the evening to help refine your movement, improve tool placement, and build confidence on mixed terrain.