Meeting point
Interlaken Ost Train Station
Bahnhof Interlaken Ost, 3800 Interlaken
Basic Course Ice Climbing
2 days
Advanced ice climbing techniques
Lead climbing with coaching
Understanding belaying & ice properties
Season:
December March
Departure Times
Key info
You are an experienced rock climber with some ice climbing experience.
Belaying techniques and rope handling are familiar to you.
We climb routes up to the 4th difficulty grade.
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone who trades comfort for the view.
The axe bites, the ice holds: With each move, you learn how to climb safely and efficiently on ice.
Two days of ice climbing packed with technique, safety, and practice. You will learn to read the ice, place protection, and coordinate your movements efficiently. From building the first anchor to climbing a complete route: this course gets you safely to the top.
Course details
AcademyLearning objectives
- Learn basic ice climbing techniques
- Understand and use appropriate belaying techniques
- Learn to assess ice formations and their characteristics
- Proper use of ice screws
- Building solid ice belays
- Learn how to lead ice climbs
- Improve your ice climbing skills and find rest positions
- Gain initial experience in independently planning simple ice climbs
Assessment methods
Progress is continuously assessed
The mountain guide provides practical feedback and an individual assessment. Progress, technical understanding, protection skills, and climbing practice are evaluated.
Certification
Certificate: Basic Ice Climbing Course
Upon completion of the two-day course, participants receive a certificate. This confirms successful participation in the Basic Ice Climbing Course, but is intended as a keepsake and is not an official document.
Issued by:
Outdoor Switzerland AG
Itinerary
Meeting points Day1
Day 1: Theory and First Climbing Moves
After meeting in Interlaken, we start with the theory: What equipment is needed? How does ice change with temperature? And what belaying methods are used? Then we head out to the icefall. In easy terrain, we take the first crampon steps, learn the standard movements, and test our ice tools.
Day2
Day 2: Climbing Technique and Complete Route
Today we refine our technique, use ice tools and crampons efficiently, and practice energy-saving movements. You will learn to find resting positions and prepare for the next swing of the axe. If conditions are right, we will climb a route all the way to the top. A real highlight to finish on.
Whats included
Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Course Certificate
Not included
Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay for the guest (must be organized by yourself)
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)
Pack list
Backpack
Backpack 25-30 l
Clothing
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or winter hiking pants
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Thermal underwear
Footwear
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Locking carabiners, approx. 3
Helmet
Abseil device
2 ice climbing axes
Ice screw (if you have one)
Prusik loop
Sling 120 cm
Basics
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Toiletries
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks
Backpack 25-30 l
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or winter hiking pants
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Thermal underwear
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Locking carabiners, approx. 3
Helmet
Abseil device
2 ice climbing axes
Ice screw (if you have one)
Prusik loop
Sling 120 cm
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Toiletries
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks
Weather info
General weather info
Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.
Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.
For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog
Meeting points
Meeting points
Activity location