The Spiral Staircase Route is an amazing beginners climb on a wide flow to the east of the Rigid Designator Ampitheatre. The flow rises up from the base of the cliff providing 80' of beautiful water ice climbing in the range of 75 - 80 degrees. On climbers right, there are some hanging icecicle chandeliers and some mixed starts for those so inclined. The mixed lines are in the range of M5.

Spiral Staircase

The route has fixed slings on some trees towards the left once up on top. Leading then setting up a TR is easiest as the hike up and around is quite arduous and long.

Climbers use this route to gain access to the Pencil and Eraser routes above.

Getting There

See Getting There section on the main Vail Ice page.

From the Rigid Designator Ampitheatre, take the climbers trail left (east) for about 200m along cliff bands to the flow. You can't miss it!

Route Description

Start at the base of the climb and go up! This year ('07) the right side allowed a little easier access and was hacked out more. The left was a bit more spicy and vertical. The ice is thin in some places towards the left side, so shorter screws are sometimes necessary.

Andy Nearing the Top.

Near the top, the climb levels out and then goes vertical again. Pull the buldge and gain the ledge to begin the last 15' vertical section. This last section is sometimes detached and hollow beneath. Depending on the amount of ice present, be wary of longer screw placements as they may penetrate all the way through the curtain! Once on top, walk towards your left to the slinged tree.

Essential Gear

Crampons

Two Ice Tools

3 - 4 Screws in the 10cm to 20cm Range

60m Rope

Helmet Recommended

SSC

Images