Basic Course Ice Climbing

Moderate
2 days
Person ice climbing
Person with ice screws
Advanced ice climbing techniques
Lead climbing with coaching
Understanding belaying & ice behavior

Season:

December March

Departure Times

09:40

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 grips, 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, set protections, and coordinate your movements efficiently. From the first anchor to the complete route: this course gets you safely to the top.

Course details

Academy

Learning 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 movement, 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

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 point

Interlaken Ost Train Station

Bahnhof Interlaken Ost, 3800 Interlaken
DirectionsMore info
Meeting points
Activity location

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