Ice Climbing Canada (ICC) is excited to announce the opening of the 2025/2026 National Team Selection Process. This year’s process reflects our growing professionalism and continued commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusion.

We recognize that Canada’s geography and limited training venues make access challenging. To address this, ICC offers two pathways for selection, ensuring all qualified athletes, regardless of location, have a fair chance.

Below are the details of the process, eligibility criteria, and expectations.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

✅ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (with valid passport if competing internationally)

✅ Lead at a minimum D6+ level

✅ Agree to and uphold the ICC policies, Code of Conduct, and Athlete Agreement

✅ Submit all required materials on time (application form, payment, videos if remote)

It is encouraged that all athletes read the following documents:

ICC Selection Process Document

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10QTmWLQmnBykCRDzOcfkMVXaTtyIl8fhFuOqE9t_sIw/edit?usp=drivesdk

ICC Policies Document

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bLQqL3e5BLOS5qa2vWM52_45Ud1y7xcQ/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=115474761969599683297&rtpof=true&sd=true

Frequently asked Questions are at the bottom of this page. Further questions can be sent to ICC Chair. iceclimbingcanadachair@gmail.com

Athlete Commitment & Team Expectations

Joining Team Canada means more than climbing well — it means becoming an ambassador for Canadian ice climbing.

Athletes are expected to:

• Maintain high standards of conduct (on and off the wall)
• Engage actively with ICC communications and team activities
• Help grow the sport through outreach, mentorship, and social media presence
• Uphold professionalism and team spirit during all events and interactions

Further details are outlined in the Code of Conduct and Athlete Agreement.

ICC Mission, Vision, and Code of Conduct

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mdQRXBLr-eLLt7zVl1y0ruom_W3q9znItKga-G8eOZ4/edit?usp=drivesdk

ICC Athlete Agreement

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11GA81Xd_EHjbUNZEaDJGFtcigC0VmAPSqUiphCR8mJg/edit?usp=drivesdk

All athletes must:

✅ Complete the official application form.

✅ Choose one pathway: In-person Tryout OR Remote Video Submission

✅ Submit all required materials by the appropriate deadlines

Application Pathways

1️⃣ In-Person Tryout — Edmonton

📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 (all day)

📍 Location: Climb YEG, Edmonton, AB

💲 Cost: $50 for Comp $25 ICC Fee

• The tryout simulates a UIAA-style competition, with:
• 2 qualification routes (flash format)
• 1 final (Isolation Format)
• Routes test technical skill, endurance, mental composure, route-reading, and team fit.
• Athletes compete in the public competition but are also scored separately for selection purposes.
• Scores are based on percentile rankings, technical drills, endurance tests, and coachability (see rubric for details).
• This pathway carries full weight (100%) in scoring.

STEPS

1️⃣ Planning to attend for tryouts please click the button to register for the competition below:

Community Comp Fee $50 + $25 ICC Fee

2️⃣ Fill out the online application form below:

2️⃣ Remote Video Submission

📅 Deadline: September 30, 2025

💲 Cost: $75

• Submit an uncut, continuous video that includes: 
• ✅ A mock competition route (10–20 moves) demonstrating gastons, underclings, steinpulls, figure 4/9, and fluid movement. 
• ✅ A skills & endurance video: Minimum 1:30 of continuous figure 4 movements with proper form. (Axe release controlled)
• ✅ Additional creative and competition-style movements encouraged.
• Video submissions are weighted at 80% of in-person scores, as they cannot fully replicate live competition conditions.
• Videos must clearly show start and finish holds, use good lighting, and be stable. Either landscape or portrait is acceptable.
• Upload to YouTube (unlisted) or use the Google Drive link and create a folder named: FirstName_LastName and upload all files there.

If you are planning to do the Remote Video Submission click the button below to submit your videos and also the payment link for this is provided. If athlete does not pay through this link their videos and submission will not be accepted.

STEPS

 1️⃣ Fill out the online application form below:

2️⃣ Access to the submission folder:

3️⃣ Fee $75 can be paid through the link below:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ONTARIO AND QUEBEC ATHLETES

We are forever working on opportunities this season those athletes in these provinces can make arrangements to meet with the following committee members as they will be setting routes within their respected spaces to assist with the remote video submission. Chris runs Drytoolnights and will be running a session in a climbing gym format. Marty has an extensive cave and will be doing the same.

Please contact either or for further details.

ONTARIO:

Chris: chrys@lovettdoust.net

QUEBEC:

Marty: theriault927@gmail.com

Refunds

The $75 fee is refundable if you withdraw before participating in both tryout and video submission formats.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact:

📧 Jon Blackwood, ICC Chair

📨 iceclimbingcanadachair@gmail.com