"Ice Climbing – beginner to advanced" Winter sports Tip by tayloretc

Local all-vertical-surface-climbing training outfit Roc Gyms handles instruction and trips for all levels of climbers, beginner to advanced.

For the absolute beginner, they run half- and full-day sessions at the Chute de Montmorency that are a great introduction to ice climbing. Our instructor was laid-back, but knew what he was doing and explained everything well, and he stayed beside the real beginners until we were able to handle everything safely. These sessions are also a good way to try it out before you invest in the equipment, since they provide most of it.

You have to book (and pay by card) in advance, and have to arrange your own transportation to the base of the falls. There are instructors who speak English, but you’ll have to request one when you book. When I called, the person taking the reservations did not speak much English, but we managed, and I even got the right sized boots. The reservation was all done on the phone – I have not visited the gym itself.

Equipment: - Harness, crampons, axes, and ropes are all provided
- You'll need real climbing or ski boots, which you can rent through Roc Gyms
- You'll need warm, water-resistant clothes that allow maximum flexibility
- Definitely bring a change of gloves, just in case

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Website: http://www.rocgyms.com/2010/en/index.php