Introductory Drytooling Course

Basic
3 - 4 hrs
Person drytooling
Experience drytooling as a unique sport
Climb on rock with crampons and ice axes
Effective full-body workout

Season:

November May

Departure Times

13:00

Key info

Good overall fitness
Belaying experience is an advantage

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

Crampons on the rock, ice axe in hand: Feel the fusion of strength and technique. A new style of climbing awaits you.

Drytooling is climbing with ice tools; but without the ice. With crampons on your feet and ice axes in your hands, you move on the rock. In this course, you learn the basics: equipment, climbing technique, and belaying. A demanding full-body workout that requires strength, coordination, and brainpower.

Course details

Academy

Learning objectives

  • Understand the basics of dry tooling: equipment, technique, safety
  • Practice initial moves with crampons and ice axes on rock
  • Try top rope climbing and dry tooling
  • Understand differences from ice climbing and mixed climbing
  • Recognize dry tooling as a good training opportunity for north faces

Assessment methods

Progress is continuously assessed

Progress is assessed through observation by the mountain guide during practice. The goal is the safe application of basic techniques and an initial feel for the sport.

Certification

Certificate: Introductory Dry Tooling Course

Upon completion of the day course, participants receive a certificate. This confirms successful participation in the introductory snowshoeing course in Grindelwald, but is intended as a keepsake and is not an official document.

Issued by:
Outdoor Switzerland AG

Itinerary

Meeting points
Meeting Point and Introduction

We meet in Grindelwald and discuss the basics: What is drytooling, what equipment do we need, and what techniques are used? Then we head to a nearby cave: a sheltered spot that offers perfect conditions for the first attempts.
Equipment and Safety

Before heading to the rock face, we introduce belaying techniques. We look at how to use crampons and ice axes, which movements are important, and how to hold yourself optimally on the rock face.
First Climbing Attempts

Then we start: secured by top rope, we make our first moves. The challenge: strength and control! The ice axes must be placed precisely and your weight shifted cleverly. After just a few meters, it becomes clear: drytooling is intense and challenges the entire body.
Course Conclusion and Outlook

After several attempts and climbs, you get a feel for the technique. To conclude, we exchange experiences: What went well, where is there room for improvement? Those who have caught the bug can dive into the world of mixed climbing routes with further training. Course ends around 4:30 PM.

Whats included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Technical equipment
Course Certificate

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Snacks
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

OUTDOOR - Glacier Canyon Grindelwald

Gletscherschlucht 1, 3818 Grindelwald
DirectionsMore info
Meeting points
Activity location

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