Women’s Ice Climbing in Montana

Things to know

• Covid measures in Hyalite Canyon and Ousel Falls, Montana

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Hyalite Canyon and Ousel Falls, Montana, please refer to the Official State of Montana Government Website and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 2 days of ice climbing
    • All technical equipment (ice tools, boots, crampons, helmet, harness, belay device and locking carabiner)

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Personal clothing and equipment
    • Food and snacks
• 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 fun, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level. Over the course of two days, you’ll learn the techniques, gear, and skills needed to become a competent ice climber!

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned ice climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.

• What about required equipment?

  All technical ice 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 (2)
    • 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
    • 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 (a 40-55L bag with ice tool carrying compatibilities)
    • 1-liter water bottle (with insulated sleeve)
    • Food you can eat on-the-go (energy bars, GU packs, or Hammer Gels)
    • Toiletries
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Ski pole(s) for approaches — optional
    • Camera — optional (helmets have GoPro cam mounts)

  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 this adventure, the max. guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1. The maximum number of participants is 8, with two climbing teams consisting of 4 participants per 1 guide.
    • It takes a minimum of 3 participants for this adventure to operate.
    • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

  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 younger than 18 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.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you will meet your guide at your guide’s shop at 13 Enterprise Blvd., Bozeman at 7 am. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

  Basic

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Super Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.