Outdoor Skills And Thrills

I did two days of ice climbing with Aric a few years back and loved it. I was thinking about going back and remembered I forgot to write a review..Aric was awesome from start to finish. He explained what to wear, where to be and what to expect clearly. As a first time ice-climber, he shared the necessary information and was happy to share his knowledge and expertise to the many questions I had throughout the day.I would definitely go back.

Aric and his belaying team Isabel and Dena were amazing! What a fantastic and positive crew, and don't forget his adorable goldie Summit. Aric's attention to safety is top notch and his team's instruction allowed me to scale the steepest portion of the frozen falls on the first attempt. The group of adventurous women that were there to learn to climb with me were fabulous! I highly recommend trying Ice climbing with Outdoor Skills and Thrills!Sending love from NomadicShelley

My partner and I did the Dorion Tower Climbing Adventure and it was fantastic. Aric is very knowledgeable, and makes you feel completely safe. Highly recommended!

On February 22, 2020 my boyfriend Nick and I did the Beginners Ice Climbing Adventure. Neither of us had done anything like it before but after some awesome stories from one of our friends, we decided: what the heck, let’s try something new, wild and crazy! Once we signed up, Aric sent over a comprehensive information package that included everything we needed to know from where to meet to what to bring. We met up with Aric and the other participants in Nipigon and from there followed Aric to a parking lot about 20km further east. Helmets, boots, crampons, and harnesses were distributed, all the required gear was packed up and off we went! After a quick hike we arrived at a super awesome spot: a 20m tall frozen waterfall! My first thoughts… How on earth are we going to make it up this wall?! As Aric and a couple of his friends were busy setting up the lines, we chatted a bit amongst ourselves and got to know the other climbers in our group. Aric soon showed us how to put on and use the crampons, how to use the ice axes, went over the safety procedures and then we were ready to start practicing. Everyone got the hang of it pretty quick. A little later, it was time for the real deal… Going up the ice wall. It took me a bit to calm my nerves and trust the equipment but once I did the thrill of climbing up this 20m wall of ice was incredible! Once at the top, the view was amazing and the adrenaline was just rushing through me! I couldn’t believe I was actually doing this! Nick had gone up another line and once we were both back on the ground we took a break and enjoyed the lunches we had brought from home. After lunch we went up a couple more times using different lines and trying out different sections of the ice wall, getting better as the day progressed. We both felt completely safe while climbing and descending and fully trusted our belayers. Around 4:30pm we hiked back to the parking lot and the adventure came to an end. All and all I highly recommend this adventure through Outdoor Skills and Thrills to anyone regardless of experience or skill level. Aric has tons of experience guiding and climbing and he was excellent at explaining techniques, was extremely knowledgeable, and safety was a top priority the entire day. You will undoubtedly have an amazing time, learn some new skills, meet some cool people, and cross something hella cool off your bucket list! Thanks again for an amazing day, Aric and staff!!

Great climbing experience. I'll definitely go again!! Ice climbing has been on my bucket list for a few years. Aric is a very patient and great teacher. I felt very safe the entire climb.

Outdoor skills and thrills is easily the best source for all things climbing in Northwest Ontario. I've gone on rock climbing outings and ice climbing outings and both have been spectacular. I love that they provide all the equipment and that the guides are so God damn knowledgeable. Well done OSAT. Truly one of the greats!

Such a great experience. Aric was able to reschedule quickly due to unforeseen circumstances and we ended up with a wicked sunny day! He made us feel confident and comfortable with the equipment. It was my first outdoor rock climbing experience and I think I'm now hooked!

Great outdoor rock climbing. Our guide Keegan was professional and gave us an enjoyable first experience at climbing outdoors. The ages in our small group ranged from 13 to 54 years, and it was fun and challenging for all.

We've been rock climbing and now ice climbing with OST and can't wait to get back out there! Great time, cool experience, awesome staff and something we'll never forget. Good for any skill level, families or friends groups. Highly recommend these guys and any of their outdoor adventures.

Have now done a winter and summer adventure with Aric and OSAT; such an incredible experience. Best way to enjoy Thunder Bay!!!