Ice Rescue Training involves inherent hazards—we can not guarantee a safe learning environment. We will discuss the safety plan, what can go wrong, and what to do about it. Luc Mehl is a certified Ice Rescue Instructor and will be equipped to help anyone who needs assistance.
Designed for
Recreationists and professionals who encounter ice during remote work or play.
Essential Eligibility Requirements
You must be physically capable of staying warm in a cold environment, walking on slippery ice, crawling, treading water, and climbing onto the ice shelf (similar to climbing out of a swimming pool). You must be able to follow instructions, whether verbal or by hand signal.
This course involves cold water immersion—you should not participate if you have a history of heart disease or arrhythmia. Cold water can also trigger asthma.
Scheduling
Courses are generally scheduled on short notice when there are 'good' weak ice conditions.
What to expect
This training is cold, so we will be as efficient as possible working through the exercises. You will receive a handout with general ice travel guidelines and rules of thumb and are welcome to ask for clarification in person or by email.
Training exercises are based on NFPA Standards for Technical Ice Rescue but modified for application to small groups, limited equipment, and remote settings.
The two-hour progression is:
- Self-rescue with and without ice picks
- Partner rescue with throw ropes
- Optional wet immersion
Safety
You will be tethered to a safety line while at the ice’s edge and in the water. A drysuit, PFD, and helmet are required. At the end of the course, you have the option of a wet immersion (without drysuit or PFD).
Required equipment
Supplies can be carried to the course site in a duffle or backpack.
- Dress for immersion: Wear warm baselayers under your drysuit and a large insulated jacket over your drysuit, to be removed before immersion.
- Multiple sets of gloves or mittens
- End-of-day clothing: Expect your drysuit to leak. Bring a full set of extra clothing and insulation,
especially if you opt-in to the final wet immersion.
- Footwear and ice cleats/grippers: There is no right choice; they will all be wet and cold. Bring dry footwear for the end of the day.
- Drysuit, wetsuit, or semi-drysuit: Drysuit rentals are available from Hoarding Marmot and APU, in Anchorage.
- Helmet: Climbing, bike, ski, river, or equivalent.
- PFD: USCG-approved Type III or equivalent.
Suggested equipment
- Hot sugary drink in a thermos
- Protective padding: Protect yourself and your drysuit with shin, knee, and elbow pads.
- Whistle: A rescue whistle should be part of your standard outdoor kit. Available on-site for $5.
- Backpack, skis, or other equipment: This is an opportunity to experience immersion with the actual equipment you wear during your outings.
Provided equipment
I will provide, but you are welcome to bring your own:
- Ice picks
- Ice probes
- Throw ropes
- Chest harness straps
- Hardware
- First aid kit
- Propane heater
What's not covered
- Team rescue
- Rescues involving specialty equipment
- A detailed discussion of ice formation, strength, and travel strategies. That's what the Wild Ice! online course is for.
