Icebreakers  WI5+

851 page views Good page?

Type:  Trad, Ice, 150 feet Consensus:  WI5+ [details] FA:  Submitted By:  Dave Rone on Dec 1, 2008 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (2) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

Nearing the top of the crux pillar. Photo by Dan ...

Add Photo  Add Comment    Printer View

Description 

One of Kama's showpiece routes! Long, steep, sustained, and exposed. The crux is usually the 30' vertical to slightly overhanging pillar at the bottom, which can sometimes be difficult to protect. Once up the pillar the angle eases to slightly less than vertical and the ice quality improves. The finish can sometimes be a little tricky, varying at times from big umbrellas to bare rock.

You can usually see this massive sheet of ice from miles away as you approach on Hwy 17. Turn off on the Domtar Road and you'll see it up high on the cliff line after 2-3 miles.

Park below the route and head straight for it. As you get through the new-growth pines and enter the forest, watch for flagging tape marking the trail to the Icebreakers area. About 45 minutes to an hour.

Protection 

8-12 screws, depending on how frequently you like to put them in. Mostly 16 and 19cm, with a couple 22's for the hollow stuff. Belay and rappel the route from a big pine about 30' back from the topout. Two 60m ropes easily reach the base from the tree anchor.

Photos of Icebreakers Slideshow

Add Photo

Incredible-looking Icebreakers (the yellow icefall...	Wes Bender on Icebreakers, 3/15/09 Photo: Nick Bu...	Icebreakers in snowy weather. 3/6/11.
Brian Bottan chasing light on Icebreakers. 03/05/1...	Dave Rone on "Icebreakers" mid-March 2011. The be...	Dave Rone at about 1/2 way mark on this great stee...
Rapp'n off "Icebreakers". Is that sky deep blue e...