Outdoor Skills And Thrills

I’m always looking for extreme things to do for my birthday. I have skydived, did the largest bungee jump in North America, white water rafting, travelled solo across the world and done many exciting things. This experience with Aric is up on the top of my list. The adrenaline pump as I stood on the top of Dorians Tower was indescribable. I flew all the way from Ottawa to Thunder Bay to make this climb. Flew Friday, climbed Saturday and flew back home Sunday. Aric was amazing. He made my experience incredible. He had me pumped up the whole way and I think he was just about as excited for me to make the climb as I was. He knew how much I wanted it, he was stoked to see me do it and to be the one to take me to the top. The hike was amazing, views are breathtaking, the company and energy through out was amazing the whole adventure. This was an Epic!!!! Experience. If you are thinking of making this climb you won’t regret it and I highly recommend doing it with Aric. Big shout out to Aric, the other people I met while embarking on this adventure and his amazing dog Summit.

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!

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.

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

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!!

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!

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

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.