Basic Skills Course Ice Climbing
Ice climbing offers some of the biggest rewards and challenges of any winter sport. If you are a climber who is ready to try something new, or if you are new to ice climbing and you’re looking to sharpen your skills, our 2-day basic skills ice climbing course will acquaint you with the equipment, theory and techniques necessary to safely climb frozen waterfalls.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Moderate
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginner
You have previous ice climbing experience and have good rope handling and belaying skills. We climb routes up to WI IV.
- Equipment
- Belay techniques
- Properties of ice/ ice conditions
- Climbing technique
- Standard moves
- Rest positions
- Lead climbing
You will learn the basics of ice climbing regarding equipment, theory, and technique. You will be given individual feedback from your guide that will help prepare you for your next steps as an ice climber.
Group Course (4-6 participants)
| CHF 400 per person | |
Private Course
| 1-3 people | CHF 1590 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 400 per person |
To book a private course please contact us:
Day 1: Theory and ice climbing basics
Meet your guide in Interlaken and you will begin to discuss the preparation required for ice climbing and consider what factors help you select the right climbing location. You will discuss equipment, belaying, and the characteristics of ice at different temperatures. In the afternoon you will drive to nearby ice falls and begin putting your new knowledge into practice.
Day 2: Ice climbing personal technique, ice fall climbing
Today, you will begin to examine personal climbing technique. What are the “standard moves”? How do you find a rest position? How do you place ice screws safely and efficiently? You will discuss all of this and more before heading out to the ice to apply your skills. The length of the ice fall for the second day will depend on conditions. The course will end in Interlaken around 4pm.
| Season | December - March |
| Departures for official tours | See "Closest Bookable Dates" |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 9:40am at the Interlaken Ost train station |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Course Certificate
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Costs for cable cars
- Costs for an overnight stay if needed
- Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)
Backpack
- 25-30l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or ski pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
- Thermal underwear
Footwear
- Crampon proof mountaineering boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Helmet
- Descender
- 3-4 Locking Carabiner
- 120cm sling
- Prussik and 4m accessory cord
- Ice screw
- Ice axe for steep ice climbing
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.