Taster Course Ice Climbing

Basic
1 day
Person ice climbing
Person ice climbing with the sun in the background
People ice climbing
No prior experience needed
Learn techniques directly on the ice
Safe top rope ice climbing

Season:

December March

Departure Times

08:30

Key info

Good overall fitness
Experience with belaying is an advantage

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.

Try out a new sport: ice climbing. Climbing with crampons and an ice axe on a frozen waterfall is a truly unique experience.

Ice climbing challenges both body and mind. In this introductory course, you learn the basics: the proper use of crampons and an ice axe, as well as safety techniques. After a technical introduction, you will tackle the frozen waterfall under guidance. A direct entry into a unique style of climbing: safe, intense, demanding.

Course details

Academy

Learning objectives

  • Understand and apply the basics of ice climbing
  • Safely use crampon walking techniques
  • Try climbing techniques with ice axes and crampons
  • Understand belaying techniques in top-rope climbing
  • Know, correctly wear, and assess equipment

Assessment methods

Progress is continuously assessed

Direct feedback from the mountain guide during practical exercises. Observation of climbing technique, body tension, and equipment handling. Reflection at the end of the day: What worked, where is there potential.

Certification

Certificate: Ice Climbing Introductory Course

After completing the day course, participants receive a certificate. This certifies successful participation in the Ice Climbing Introductory Course in Grindelwald, but is intended as a keepsake and is not an official document.

Issued by:
Outdoor Switzerland AG

Itinerary

Meeting points
Introduction & Equipment Check

The meeting point is at our OUTDOOR Shop in Grindelwald. Here, you receive your gear: crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet. After a joint equipment check, we will take a minibus to Schwendi. A short walk brings us to the frozen waterfall: our practice area for the day.
First Steps on Ice

Before going vertical, you will cover the basics: How to properly use crampons? How to use the ice axe without wasting energy? Your mountain guide will show you the movements and offer tips so you quickly get a feel for the equipment.
Top Rope Climbing on the Waterfall

Now it gets exciting: Safely secured on a top rope, you will attempt your first ice climb. Step by step, you work your way up, feeling how the ice axe anchors in the ice and how you stabilize with the crampons. Your mountain guide provides direct feedback, ensuring you climb safely and efficiently.
Return to Grindelwald

After a few hours of intense climbing, it is time to head back. Your first experience with this fascinating sport will surely stay with you for a long time.

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 - Shop and Café Grindelwald

Dorfstrasse 103, 3818 Grindelwald
DirectionsMore info
Meeting points
Activity location

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