Join Latino Outdoors Colorado y Escala Rockies to try out dry-tooling at The Ice Coop! What is “Dry-Tooling” you ask? Dry tooling is a form of climbing with ice axes and crampons when there’s no ice present. It’s a cross between ice climbing and rock climbing—which makes it great training for both! Outdoors, drytooling takes place mostly on rock walls and big limestone caves. Indoors, it takes place on plywood walls with specialized plastic, metal, and resin holds.

For more information on Dry-Tooling, check on this great guide the Ice Coop put together!

The Ice Coop’s walls are made of a soft plywood, which you can kick into using competition boots. This simulates ice. (All routes are also climbable with rock climbing shoes!)

Their gym is staffed by volunteers. All our volunteers are passionate and involved members of the local ice climbing community. Many volunteers also coach or compete on their spare time. You’ll be in good hands! 

Once you arrive, you’ll be given a brief safety orientation, as well as some tips on how to use your tools. Volunteer staff and fellow climbers will then be on-hand if you have any questions about how this whole drytooling thing works.  

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

All participants must fill out a waiver.

COST: FREE!

WHEN: February 6th, 2025, 5pm-8pm

WHERE:The Ice Coop (2500 47th St Unit 2, Boulder, CO 80301)

WHO: Families

WHAT TO BRING:

Climbing Helmet: The Ice Coop can lend you one if you don’t have your own.

Long Pants: Pants or leggings are required if you decide to bring or rent comp boots. Shorts are OK if you decide to wear climbing shoes!

Climbing shoes, approach shoes, or competition boots: Competition boots are available for rent. Feel free to bring your own boots if you have them. Keep in mind that boots must have a front point only. No secondary points or heel spurs are permitted (they tear up our floors).

Ice tools: You can rent tools or bring your own. Your tools cannot have pommel spikes, adzes, or hammers unless they are heavily padded.

Thin, grippy gloves: Golf gloves and wide-receiver gloves work well. We also have loaner gloves on site!

A completed Ice Coop AND LO waiver: Please complete both online before you arrive.

ABOUT THE REGISTRATION: ONE TICKET PER PARTICIPANT. A signed waiver for each participant is required to participate.