Montana Ice Climbing Program for SOF Couples

AM I ELIGIBLE?

Located in Southwest Montana, Bozeman is a town with a population of approx. 43,000 and growing. Bozeman has its own airport and world class ice climbing in the Hyalite Canyon. The elevation at Hyalite is 6,699 with some hiking required to access the ice climbing sites. Montana Alpine Guides provide our instruction, majority of equipment and guiding for this program. The accommodations at Quiet Waters Ranch are on a beautiful 112-acre property with fully accessible bedrooms, bathrooms, entertainment and dining area. When we are not ice climbing, the day includes potential for snowshoeing, sledding, sightseeing or relaxation at the indoor pool/hot tub. The following Essential Eligibility Criteria has been developed to objectively determine if one has the ability to participate in this program.

Participant will independently or with the use of adaptive equipment/assistant:

Grasp ice axes with both upper extremities

Effectively notify leaders or other participants of personal distress, injury, illness, need for assistance and/or break when descending or climbing

Participant will independently:

Safely travel uphill/downhill on snow/ice approx. 1 mile wearing crampons/mountaineering boots carrying 10lb pack

Tolerate 6,699 elevation height

Prepare for subzero temperatures, wind, snow and sleet by packing lots of warm clothing and layers appropriate for winter climbing

Comprehend and follow safety protocols as outlined by Montana Alpine Guides and Higher Ground personnel

Wear all required safety gear such as an approved harness, approved helmet, mountaineering boots, crampons ice axe/tool, etc.

Manage all personal care needs including but not limited to appropriate hydration and nutrition, toileting, medication

Who: (7) SOF* veterans/active duty and their significant other

When: Feb 20 - Feb 25

What: Intro to ice climbing. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. All skill levels welcome.

Where: Bozeman, MT

Accommodations: Private Ranch in Bozeman, MT

Accessibility: The approach can range from 20 – 45 minutes of navigating various terrain (uphill/downhill on snow, ice and on uneven ground) before arriving at the climbing site.

Cost: FREE – Higher Ground Covers ALL program related costs

Point of Contact: Dave Keir dave@highergroundusa.org

*Special Operation Forces