Ice Climbing Engstligenalp

Basic
1 day
23 routes for every level
Toprope & lead climbing possible
Artificially watered icefalls

Season:

December March

Requirements

Some ice climbing experience required (at least 1 day of ice climbing experience)
Proficient in rope handling and belaying
Good physical fitness is advantageous

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

Perfect training ground with a short approach: Top rope and/or lead climbing, refine your technique. Grow with every route.

Ice climbing on the Engstligenalp offers perfect conditions for all experience levels. 23 routes, safe top rope training, and the chance to take your first steps in lead climbing. An icy but unforgettable adventure in a stunning winter landscape.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Approach

A cable car provides a comfortable ride to the Engstligenalp. Once at the top, an impressive winter landscape unfolds. The approach to the ice climbing area is short, yet the dramatic setting immediately builds anticipation. Sunlit, ice covered walls shimmer above you — this is where the action begins.

Ice climbing

Once we arrive at the ice climbing arena, we put on our equipment and begin with an introduction to the gear and fundamental techniques. Safety is the top priority: we start by climbing on top rope to familiarise ourselves with the ice, the crampons, and the ice tools. Step by step, we ease into the vertical challenge.

In the afternoon, there is the option to attempt a route on lead for those who wish to take on this added challenge. Here, precise technique, good body tension, and a cool head are essential. Those who prefer to remain on top rope can continue to refine their technique and try a variety of routes.

Depending on ice conditions, the programme may be adjusted at short notice.

What's included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Entry fee to the Engstligenalp ice climbing arena

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Backpack 20-25 l

Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or winter hiking pants
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Thermal underwear

Crampon proof mountaineering boots

Crampons with anti-snow plates
Sling 120 cm
Locking carabiners, approx. 3
Abseil device
2 ice climbing axes
Ice screw (if you have one)

Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
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 point

Engstligenalpbahn cable car station Adelboden

Engstligenstrasse 75, 3715 Adelboden
Meeting point
Activity location

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