Winter preparation for summer mountains
Places are full!
Would you like to go climbing in the mountains this summer, but lack the skills? Or have you already forgotten your old skills, your crampons are rusty and your pickaxes are dull? Now is a good opportunity to get your crampons on and learn the ABCs of ice climbing on an ice wall in Estonia, before heading to distant and high mountains. We teach, guide, introduce equipment, drill ice drills, practice climbing and descending. You can try everything yourself!
NB! For summer mountain plans, we also recommend checking out Elamus+ travel calendar!
Also watch the video of the previous ice climbing camp 👇
Exercise & fun go hand in hand!
The ice climbing camp takes place on the weekend, so it would be very cost-effective for those coming from further afield to make the journey to Tallinn.
Climbing enthusiasts who are complete beginners can participate - even those who have never seen cats or pickaxes even from afar (cats aren't the ones that meow, after all). But those who have already been on snow and ice in the mountains here and there but want to brush up on their rusty skills can also participate.
With beginners, we start from the very beginning, or the ABC of Ice Climbing, and we take on Ice Climbing A. We introduce crampons, ropes, and picks, and take the first vertical steps on the ice slope. And from there, as the participants' wishes and skills allow. And of course, lots of practice - crampons on right at the beginning and out until the end! Among other things, the repertoire includes:
Introduction to climbing equipment - what equipment is needed in the mountains, how to choose it, what to do with a pick, crampons, and ice auger
Knot workshop - how to attach yourself to a rope, tie ropes together and be safe
Climbing an ice wall with top protection using two picks
Principles of self-safety and securing a companion when climbing
Descending on a support rope with a descender and ascending with a grab
We have a relatively free-form event, the goal is not only training and drill and exercise, but also FUN! And you can definitely climb the ice wall uncontrollably! There is a bonfire burning all the time, where you can warm yourself up and refresh yourself, in addition, hot pots and hot tea are also available! Lunch breaks are also taken care of, all participants are waiting for local hiking food producers MEKI or Tactical Foodpack Convenient camping food packs - easy to prepare, add water and you're done!
Where and when to come?
You can choose between the following ice climbing camp times:
February 18th and 19th (Sat and Sun)
February 24 (Friday, public holiday)
March 4 (Sat)
March 12 (Sun)
There is a limit of 10 participants per day.
We start the day at lunchtime, around 11 a.m. - that's when people from Tartu, Valga and Ruhnu arrive. There will be plenty of activity until the evening, and only around 16 p.m. do we start packing up for the day so we can start preparing for dinner before sunset.
The ice climbing camp takes place on the North Estonian coast, on the Rannamõisa bank, right on the seashore. Less than half an hour's drive from Tallinn. Veins flow down from the bank and form ice waterfalls when they freeze. This is a suitable place for beginner ice climbers to practice climbing on an icy slope. Getting to and from Rannamõisa is up to each participant to organize, but we will try to coordinate between participants. More detailed instructions on where and how to get there will be sent directly to those who have registered for the ice climbing camp.
What equipment is needed?
Back-to-back
The weather can be cold and windy by the sea, so you should dress warmly and windproof. Clothing should be layered, because it is warm when climbing, but cold when waiting - that way you can add or take off layers as you go. Wear warm underwear, fleece and a windproof jacket. During waiting breaks, it is a good idea to put on another extra layer, such as a down jacket or vest. Wear warm underwear and windproof shell pants. For footwear, hiking boots or other stiff winter boots are suitable so that the straps of the crampons can be pulled tightly around the foot. Bring regular work gloves or mittens and thicker extra gloves for waiting breaks.
Climbing equipment
Each participant should have their own climbing equipment - these items can also be borrowed from us if you indicate this when registering. This includes crampons, climbing harness, helmet, descender, carabiner.
In addition, we use a large amount of common climbing equipment for the group - these are Elamus+ already organized on site by: Ropes, carabiners, ice augers, climbing picks, slings, rappels, rope pieces, expressways, grabs.
Food and drink
Each participant will be provided with a packed lunch for lunch breaks, but you can bring your own snacks. Water and tea are also available. You may also want to bring your own personal utensils. We usually eat our packed lunches straight from the pack, so you don't need a bowl, but you might want to have a spoon and a mug or thermos. And, of course, a knife, in case the rope gets stuck somewhere so hard that you can't get it out any other way.
Participants and participation fee
👉 If you come with your own climbing equipment (cradles, climbing harness, helmet):
60 euros / 1 day
👉 If you come without climbing equipment and would like to rent it on site:
80 euros / 1 day
The participation fee includes the entire training program and the surrounding fun:
🚩 Ice climbing until you faint!
🚩 On-site guidance, security and handholding by experienced Elamus+ by instructors
🚩 Group climbing equipment (ropes, ice augers, climbing picks, carabiners, express cables, etc.)
🚩 Preparation and installation of climbing routes
🚩 If you wish to rent, also all personal climbing equipment (crams, helmet, climbing harness, descent and safety equipment, carabiners)
🚩 Catering, MEKI or Tactical Foodpack camping food packs
🚩 Hot tea and drinking water are available at all times
🚩 A campfire is burning on site and the stoves and pots are working to prepare food
🚩 Organizing and preparing the entire event and listening to the concerns of participants
🚩 You'll hear good hints about what it's like up there in the mountains.
🚩 After the event, we will send all participants information material about the climbing program they completed so they can continue practicing at home.
🚩 Yes Last but not least: Diploma proving completion of the ice climbing camp!
