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 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 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

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.