(ON) Intro to Ice Climbing Feb 2026

This event will be held on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Attiwanderon, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Ojibwe Nation and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. We are grateful to recreate on this land.

We are ice climbing for our fourth year in Ontario on February 7, 2026! 

Colour the Trails is once again partnering with OneAxe Pursuits to host a community Intro to Ice Climbing session in Elora, Ontario! Normally at a cost of $350 + HST, we are reducing the cost to $200 total.

We love our allies, but due to very limited space, this event is for BIPoC 18+ only. 

PLEASE read the full event details including our community guidelines before registering. Additional questions not answered by the event page may be sent to ontario@colourthetrails.com with the subject “Elora Ice Climbing 2026”.

What to Expect:

OneAxe Pursuits video: https://youtu.be/mtbfIY0G7wg

Hack frozen waterfalls of up to 60 feet at Elora Gorge with specially trained instructors. This event is suitable for complete beginners of moderate activity level and indoor gym climbers. Going from never climbing ice to reaching the top of a frozen waterfall is an experience unlike any other. All equipment is included.

Schedule:

9:30 am: Arrive at OneAxe Pursuits (24 Henderson Street, Elora, ON, N0B 1S0) to sign waivers and proceed to gear sizing. The following equipment will be available at no extra charge: Helmet, harness, ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice axes. PLEASE arrive on time to sort out rental gear.

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Participant introductions and indoor classroom instruction on safety, equipment, belaying, and basic ice climbing technique demos.

12pm – 4pm: Ice Climbing with 2 OneAxe instructors available for 12 participants (please note that the CTT lead is not an ice climbing instructor or guide).

Participant Considerations

Preparation for this event is key. Please make sure you have appropriate clothing and mindset to stay warm and positive in the cold. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation, though you may coordinate carpools with others via our Facebook group.

• A moderate activity level is required (please reach out if you are unsure about what this means at @colourthetrails on IG or ontario@colourthetrails.com via email
• Harnesses fit up to 52 inches
• Helmet circumference fits 19 to 24 inches
• The min boot size is W4.5 and max boot size is M13.5 (you can bring your own boots or use ski boots if you are out of this range)
• If you have any health concerns, please consult a physician
• Due to the specifics of the weather conditions required, the event may be canceled last moment (refunds will be issued)
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Cost: $200 tax inclusive. 

Your ticket supports CTT creating more affordable, community-minded/focused events year round. 

What’s included: Equipment rental, climbing instruction and access

What’s not included: Food, transportation, and winter apparel

What to Bring:

Wear weather-appropriate clothing you are not worried about getting dirty or ripped.

Outer Layers:

• A warm, insulated jacket for belaying.
• A lighter insulated jacket for climbing (ideally waterproof, hardshell/Goretex).
• At least two pairs of winter gloves or mitts (as they may get wet). One pair can be mitts. If it’s milder, you can use one thinner pair of gloves (like garden gloves or “work gloves”). If you get cold easily, consider chemical hand-warming packets.
• Toque without pom poms or Balaclava (to wear under the helmet) – essential.

Inner Layers:

• Quick-dry clothing (polyester, nylon or wool)
• Warm layers (i.e. wool/fleece sweater)

You will be doing a lot of moving (cardio) then stopping so layering is key. Aim for a minimum of 3 layers from long underwear to wool sweater to jacket to take on and off.

Footwear:

• Hiking or ski boots ( in case of sizing issues with available ice climbing boots)
• “Ski” socks are the best, bulky wool socks bunch up and actually make your feet colder
• Spare pair of wool or ski socks

Food:
Plenty of rich nutritious food! You will burn lots of calories just to stay warm. An insulated Thermos (or even two!) of your favorite hot beverage or soup is STRONGLY recommended. You likely won’t be motivated to drink icy, cold water. Hot drinks will help keep you warm and happy!!!

Very important information:

Colour the Trails Community Guidelines (agreed to upon receipt of payment).

Must have a signed Colour the Trails waiver and OneAxe pursuits waiver to participate (will be sent once payment is confirmed).

Preparation for this event is key. Please make sure you have appropriate clothing and mindset to stay warm and positive in the cold. We ask you to make sure you are able to join as the space is very limited. At the same time, we encourage you to try something new.

Feel free to organize carpools as needed using our private Facebook group or with other participants via email thread closer to the date of the event. Make sure you have ontario@colourthetrails.com saved as a safe sender in order to not miss our email.