Ice Climbing

This is an introductory week to the world of ice climbing. The week is based in Arolla Switzerland. No previous experience is needed but any rock-climbing or winter hill-walking knowledge would help. A head for heights and good fitness are important!

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive to Arolla, settle into the accommodation. You will have an evening meeting with Graham to discuss the week ahead. 

Day 2 - For the first day on the ice we’ll cover the basic techniques. Starting with a 15 minute walk to La Gouille ice falls, which are ideal for learning to move on all angles of ice, and becoming comfortable with crampons and axes. Next, single pitch climbing (20m) while learning/ practicing rope work, belaying, placing and removing ice screws/etc. When hunger strikes there’s a lovely restaurant nearby for lunch or warm-up hot drinks… 

Day 3 - Today we’ll head to Arolla, where there is some steeper ice, up to 2 pitches (70m) which will give challenge us with some more technical climbing. We’ll also learn to make belays in ice using screws and “Abalokov” threads, and descend by abseil.  

Day 4 - Off to the “Tunnel Ice-falls” today. 5 minute drive to 130m frozen waterfalls right next to the road. We’ll have a choice of routes, grade 3 or 4, and an abseil descent, to practice all the skills covered in the first 2 days.  

Day 5 - Today we’ll drive to the Trient Gorge, on the French border (1 hour). This valley has a lot of ice of varying difficulties. A chance to learn to lead climb for those who feel confident… 

Day 6 - We’ll head to Zinal today. 20 minute walk to a choice of climbs where you’ll have the chance to try steeper ice, longer routes and more lead climbing.

Day 7 -Stay in the Arolla valley. Climb the “Cascade d’Evolene”, 5 pitches so everyone can lead if they want to…Or climb the Cascade de la Giette, with some vertical ice…It’s the final day so the choice is yours! 

Day 8 - Farewell breakfast.