Climbing
Ice climbing conditions report from Thursday, January 8, 2026
Top roping G1 – 1/8/26
I trekked my way from Jackson Hole four hours north to Bozeman, Montana, where I met with my buddy John. It had been about time I got onto ice, the last time being in 2024. He had the perfect place in mind: Hyalite Canyon, a place known for its legendary ice flows.
The plan was simple: go chip at some ice and get back in the flow with the technique. In ice climbing, you want to try to have a solid base with your footing and to get the ice axes over the tops of each other to have the most leverage.
We worked on these skills from the comfort of top roping, which entails having a fixed anchor you can rappel down from. This gives the feeling like you are in a climbing gym and greatly reduces the risks. The ice flow we were on is known in the area as Genesis 1.
We enjoyed the crowds at the ice flow, as there were others practicing their craft. Also in our company was John’s roommate Grace, who was willing to take our pictures as we climbed and belayed each other.
It was great to catch up with a friend, enjoy beer and food, and re-familiarize myself with the techniques of ice climbing. The flow was solid, a little wet due to Bozeman’s abnormally warm winter, however still quite enjoyable.
