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. January and February provide reliable cold conditions for our Alpine Ice Climbing Courses, meaning you'll climb many pitches of ice every day.
Ice Climbing Introduction course
Start with the basics and progress 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!
Ice Climbing Progression course
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.
We run our Introduction and Ice Climbing Progression courses in Arolla, Cogne or Kandersteg for groups of 2 (or more) over 5 or 6 days. We also offer bespoke Ice Climbing Guiding.
