Ice 201: Push into Steep Ice — Provo’s Intermediate Course in Wasatch and Maple Canyon

PROVO CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE

Ice 201: Push into Steep Ice — Provo’s Intermediate Course in Wasatch and Maple Canyon

An 8-hour intermediate course from Red River Adventures that teaches steep-ice techniques, protection placement and mock-leading with certified instructors across Wasatch, Joe’s Valley and Maple Canyon.

Ice 201: Push into Steep Ice — Provo’s Intermediate Course in Wasatch and Maple Canyon.

Duration
8 hours
Location
Provo
Operator
Red River Adventures
Category
Climbing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Ice 201 is the next-step, single-day progression for climbers who have already mastered the basics: a focused, instructor-led eight-hour course that moves beyond following to practicing steep-ice movement, placing protection and working toward leading pitches in classic Utah ice venues such as Wasatch and Maple Canyon.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SKILLS

Steep-ice technique and protection practice

Participants learn and drill steep ice techniques, practice placing protection and run mock leads as they progress toward leading while a certified instructor monitors placements.

THE ROUTE

Varied ice venues: Wasatch, Joe’s Valley, Maple Canyon

The course is staged at renowned local venues — shifting among Wasatch, Joe’s Valley and Maple Canyon — giving climbers exposure to varied lines and ice conditions as they develop technique.

THE DAY

An intensive, single-day progression

This intermediate session is an eight-hour, hands-on progression designed to move climbers beyond single-pitch following toward independent climbing and leadership skills.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like on the ice

The day is technical and deliberate: guided warm-ups and movement drills give way to protection-placement practice, mock-leading drills and supervised attempts at leading pitches. Certified instructors monitor placements and coach transitions from follower to independent climber across a full eight-hour session.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Progressing ClimbersIdeal for climbers who have completed Ice 101 or have prior ice experience and want to move beyond following to place protection and practice leading techniques.
2
Aspiring LeadersA clear next step for those eager to practice mock leads and transition toward leading pitches under instructor supervision.
3
Families with older childrenAppropriate for family groups that include children aged 8 and up, provided younger participants meet the skill prerequisites.
4
Not for first-timersNot suitable for complete beginners — novices should take Ice 101 before enrolling in this intermediate progression.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Offered in winter months; the course runs as an eight-hour session and is available from December through March.

Meeting location

Meet at Provo Ice Climbing Parking, Old Provo Canyon Rd, Provo, UT 84604.

Prerequisites & Difficulty

Rated intermediate — participants should have taken Ice 101 or have prior ice-climbing experience and a working knowledge of movement, anchoring, lowering and repelling.

What to bring

For specific gear and clothing recommendations, consult Red River Adventures prior to your trip; the course is conducted in winter conditions.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is Ice 201?

Ice 201 is an eight-hour intermediate course.

What are the age requirements?

The course accepts participants aged 8 and older.

Do I need prior ice-climbing experience?

Yes — participants should have taken Ice 101 or already have ice-climbing experience and an understanding of movement, anchoring, lowering and repelling.

Where does the course take place?

The program rotates among local venues including Wasatch, Joe’s Valley and Maple Canyon.

When is the course offered?

Ice 201 is available from December through March.

What is the tipping etiquette for guides?

Guides appreciate gratuities; in the U.S. guideline ranges are similar to restaurants (roughly 15–20%), and guests are encouraged to tip if guides meet or exceed expectations.