I‌ce Climbing in Hyalite Canyon and Ousel Falls

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on the private adventures:

  • • An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A half or full day of ice climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
    • 3.5% land use surcharge for private trips
    • All technical equipment (ice tools, boots, crampons, helmet, harness, belay device and locking carabiner)

  What’s not included on the private adventures:

  • • Transportation
    • Personal clothing and equipment
    • Food and snacks for the day
    • Parking

  What you get on the 2-day Intro to Ice Climbing and a Full day Course of Mixed Climbing:

  • • An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Full day of mixed climbing or 2 days of ice climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
    • All technical equipment (ice tools, boots, crampons, helmet, harness, belay device and locking carabiner)

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Accommodation
    • Personal clothing and equipment
    • Food and snacks for the day(s)
    • Parking
• How fit do I need to be?

  If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up ice formations using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never ice climbed before?

  Hyalite Canyon and Ousel Falls have plenty of options for beginner ice climbers. Whether you’ve never ice climbed before or are transitioning from the rock to ice climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the ice formations, and most importantly, have fun!

  For intermediate to advanced ice climbers, Hyalite Canyon and Ousel Falls have loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while ice climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

• What about required equipment?

  All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service if coordinated in advance and is included in your price. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • • Climbing helmet
    • Insulated ice climbing boot with crampon compatibility
    • Climbing harness
    • Ice Tools
    • Crampons (step-in with vertical front points, must fit your boots)
    • Belay device and locking carabiner

  Here’s a list of the equipment you should bring:

  • • Medium or lightweight fleece or sweater
    • Heavyweight fleece
    • Down or synthetic insulated jacket
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood
    • Lightly insulated, trim fit soft or hard-shell pants (baggy may get damaged by crampons)
    • Waterproof pants — optional
    • Midweight (top & bottom) synthetic or wool long underwear
    • Midweight socks
    • Fleece or wool hat that covers ears and fits under a helmet
    • One thin pair of medium weight gloves and one thick pair
    • Gaiters — optional
    • Neck gaiter/buff or scarf
    • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40-55L bag with ice tool carrying compatibilities)
    • Water bottle (1L) — with insulated sleeve, full
    • Food you can eat on-the-go (energy bars, GU packs or Hammer Gels)
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Ski pole(s) for approaches — optional
    • Camera — optional (helmets have GoPro cam mounts)

  Here’s a list of the equipment you should bring for multi-pitch climbs only:

  • • Headlamps
    • Superlight 10-20-liter pack (to bring on route for belay coat, water and food; alternatively, have a method to clip the above items to harness
    • Optional second base layer top (to change into after long sweaty approaches)
    • Plastic ice-screw holders (pre-mounted to your harness)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For the Basic ice climbing, the max. guest to guide ratio is 4:1. For Advanced ice climbing, the max. guest to guide ratio is 2:1. All the private adventures can accommodate groups up to 16 participants.
    • Costs decrease as the group grows for private adventures, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
    • For the 2-day Intro course and Mixed Climbing adventures, the max. guest to guide ratio is 4:1. All prices are per person.
    • It takes a minimum of 3 participants for the 2-day Intro course and Full Day Course of Mixed Climbing adventure to operate.

  Ice climbing days in Hyalite Canyon and Ousel Falls can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors older than 6 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has ice climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Hyalite Canyon and Ousel Falls in Montana, most people fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport about 30 minutes away from Hyalite Canyon and an hour away from Ousel Falls. From there, you can rent a car or get a taxi to get to your guiding company’s shop in Bozeman, 13 Enterprise Blvd., Bozeman, or to get to Hyalite Canyon and Ousel Falls.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you will meet your guide at your guide’s shop in Bozeman, 13 Enterprise Blvd., Bozeman, or at a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

• Cancellation policy

  Day Trips Cancellations
  Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
  Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
  Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

• Travel and Medical Protection
  57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.