The Alps in winter become ice climbing paradise, with frozen "cascades" often only minutes from the car. January and February provide reliable cold conditions for our Alpine Ice Climbing Courses, meaning you'll climb many pitches of ice every day of your course with our British Mountain Guides.
The Arolla valley has great ice climbing, from one pitch routes near the road, to multi pitch mountain routes with snow-shoe approaches. It is rare to meet another team here, and you won't be queuing for routes. You can often climb 2 or more ice routes a day, with a lunchtime café stop to warm up! There is something for everyone, from introduction top-roping to vertical free standing pillars.
We can make day trips to nearby Zinal, Trient or Val de Bagnes. Within easy reach for a longer trip are the world famous venues of Cogne and Kandersteg. See here for a SLIDESHOW of ice climbing highlights.
We run Ice Climbing courses for everyone from complete beginner to Grade 5/6 climber, so you can learn everything from how to put on crampons, to leading your own ice climbs. The best time for Ice Climbing is Mid December to mid February. Check the blog for up to date conditions and news.
We can run our Introduction and Ice Climbing Progression courses at any venue for groups of 2 (or more) by separate arrangement.
Please contact us to organise your private group or follow the links below to book a course online.
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Introduction to Ice Climbing
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For a first Alpine Ice Climbing trip, the course starts with the basics and progresses as fast and as far as you want to go. Previous rock climbing or UK winter experience helps but isn't essential, but ice climbing is hard work so you will need reasonable fitness - and arm strength!
Our Introduction course is based at Hotel de la Taz in Arolla within easy reach of ice climbs in Evolene, La Gouille and Arolla. We can also organise courses for groups of two or more at other locations (e.g. Cogne, Kandersteg). Just email info@frostguiding.co.uk to discuss details.
Cost: £2,095Ratio (Clients:Guides): 2:1 -
Ice Climbing Progression
The next step in ice climbing. Building on previous experience, climbing steeper, longer routes, learning to lead or just doing more climbing - this course is very flexible. You'll need good fitness - steeper ice is hard work. This course will be a maximum 1:2 ratio allowing more technical climbing on multi pitch routes.
Our Progression courses are normally based in Cogne but can be run for groups of two or more at other locations (e.g. Arolla, Kandersteg). We'd be happy to arrange a course specially for you - just email info@frostguiding.co.uk to discuss details.
Cost: £2,225Ratio (Clients:Guides): 2:1 -
Test online payments
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Cost: £1Ratio (Clients:Guides): 1:1
