Originally from the flat lands of Indiana, Karsten has found his obsession in the mountains. He has climbed extensively throughout the United States including Grade V big walls in The Black Canyon, Long’s Peak, and Zion National Park to the snow and ice climbs of the North Cascades and New England. Karsten’s experience outside of the U.S. includes many high altitude peaks in South America as well as major alpine objectives in Africa and Argentina and the Indian Himalaya. Karsten spends his winters chasing good snow and ice and the rest of the year traveling the world working as a mountain guide.
Certifications
- IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide
- Certified Alpine & Rock & Ski Guide
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor/Provider
- AIARE Avalanche Level 1, 2, 3
- Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT-B)
- Swift Water Rescue Certification
- SPRAT Level 1 Technician
- Leave No Trace Master Educator
Special Guided Opportunity with Karsten Delap Tuesday February 8th 2022
On Tuesday, February 8th 2022, the Michigan Ice Fest Guides are offering a chance to head into the backcountry of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with legendary instructor and climber Karsten Delap.
This trip is the day before the start of the 30th Michigan Ice Fest and would be a perfect chance to get out to the remote and exciting backcountry climbs in a more intimate setting than one of the festivals classes.
Cost is $299 per person with gear and transportation are into the backcountry included in the guiding fee. Be prepared for a full day on the ice, as well hiking to and from climbs in snowy, potentially difficult conditions.
A minimum of three participants are required to run the trip, but we’re capping the group at 5 people to maintain the small group atmosphere.
Please note, this is not a registration for the Michigan Ice Fest, which runs February 9-13. href=”https://form.jotform.com/downwindsports/special-guiding-opportunity-20822″> Register here!
Michigan Ice Fest Anchor of the Day Clinic Friday February 11th 2022
You have seen all of his unique Anchor of the Day tips on Instagram- now you can learn from the master himself during this “Anchor of the Day” clinic! Karsten Delap will share some of his favorite tips and tricks during this Ice Anchoring clinic. Register here!
SPI COURSE May 30-June 1st 2022 Marquette Michigan $550.00
The Michigan Ice Fest Guides will be offering an American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor Course as well as an SPI Assessment this May! The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Program teaches climbing instructors to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting. The SPI is the only internationally recognized single pitch climbing instructor certification program in the United States. This program is the industry standard for facilitating single pitch outdoor rock climbing. It is also a highly beneficial program to complete prior to moving into the AMGA Guide Track Programs.
The SPI Program consists of a 3 day course and separate 2 day assessment. Candidates should meet the required prerequisites prior to attending the course or assessment.
Prerequisites:
- You are a Professional Member of the AMGA.
- You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
- You are at least 18 years old at the time of the course.
- You have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
- You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
- You have led a minimum of 15 traditional rock climbing routes (any grade).
- You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.
SPI ASSESSMENT June 2-3rd 2022 Marquette Michigan $379.00
The SPI Assessment is two days in length (minimum of 16 hours assessment time) and will take place at a single pitch climbing area where there are a selection traditional lead routes in the 5.6 range and top roping routes in the 5.8 range. The assessment will examine all aspects of institutional single pitch climbing that the Single Pitch Instructor may encounter. Day one will look at climbing movement and all aspects of technical systems from anchoring to assistance skills and general climbing competence. On day two the examiner will arrange for volunteer novice clients (non-paying) for the candidates to instruct in a group setting.
Prerequisites
- You are a current member of the AMGA.
- You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course.
- You have led a minimum of 40 traditional routes, most of which should be 5.6 and on a variety of rock types.
- You are able to comfortably lead 5.6 traditional routes, which means you place protection.
- You are able to comfortably climb 5.8 on top rope.
- The SPI Assessment can be taken directly following the SPI Course if the candidate successfully completed the course and meets the assessment prerequisites. However, it is highly recommended that the SPI Course candidate take time practicing and consolidating the skills learned on the course before assessment (6-12 months).
- You do not need First Aid training to take the course or assessment. However, it is your responsibility to hold appropriate medical certification for the location that you are working in.
Space is limited to 6 participants. Register here!