Taster Course Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is a fascinating sport that requires proper equipment and careful technique. With valuable training and guidance from a qualified mountain guide, you can experience this unique sport in a safe way and see if climbing frozen waterfalls is the right winter activity for you. If you’re hooked after our taster course, our basic skills ice climbing course will take you to the next level.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Basic
- Experience Level: Beginner
Ideally you have some experience in rock climbing and know how to belay. However, we also welcome people without any previous climbing experience.
- Equipment
- Belay techniques
- Walking techniques with crampons
- Climbing techniques with crampons
- Top rope climbing
You will learn the basics of ice climbing know by the end of the day if this sport is something for you. To gain more in-depth knowledge and practice, we recommend our basic skills ice climbing course.
Group Course (4-6 participants)
| CHF 215 per person | |
Private Course
| 1-3 people | CHF 850 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 215 per person |
To book a private course please contact us:
Theory and ice climbing basics in the Grindelwald area
You will meet your guide at our Outdoor shop and from there we will take our minibus to Burglauenen. After a careful check of our equipment, we will walk over to the “Ortweid” waterfall. During your training, your guide will explain the equipment and technique as you practice climbing and coordinating your ice axes and crampons. You will be safely belayed on top rope, giving you peace of mind and confidence as you test your new skills. You will return to Grindelwald 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 | 8:30am at the Outdoor Shop and Café - Dorfstrasse 103, 3818 Grindelwald |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Technical equipment (harness, crampons, helmet, descender with locking carabiner, ice axe for ice climbing)
- Course Certificate
- Your expenses
- Snacks
Backpack
- 20-25l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or ski pants
- Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
- Beanie or headband
- Thermal underwear
Footwear
- Crampon proof mountaineering boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Helmet
- Descender with locking carabiner
- 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.