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Ice Climbing FAQ's

1. When is the best time to go?

In the Alps, the ice climbing season runs from Dec - Feb. In North America from Nov - Mar and for the Lofoten Islands, the best balance between conditions and daylight is around the end of Feb.

2. How reliable is the ice climbing?

VERY - we rarely lose a single days alpine ice climbing per season due to weather and conditions - primarily because we base ourselves in areas with an accesible variety of microclimates nearby, so that good venues can be selected whichever direction the weather is coming from. We post regular reports on the alpine guides blog, so you can see for yourself what we get up to each season!

3. How much experience do I need?

You can start ice climbing with just some previous rock or indoor wall climbing experience - but for our more advanced itineraries, furthur experience is required. For more information take a look at our ice climbing course suitability section and the individual trip descriptions.

  
Ice Program
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All Levels
La Grave Ice Weeks
£675
Private Guiding - from
£270
   
   
.
Advanced
Couloir Climbing £1495
 
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Specials
Chamonix-Cogne £1500
Lofoten Islands £2800
Canada Special £2800
Private Guiding - from £270
   

4. What qualifications and experience do your guides have?

Our team are all fully internationally qualified IFMGA guides, with a huge experience of icefall climbing in the Alps and North America. Further afield, they have made 1st ascents of some of the hardest mountain ice routes around the world.

5. Do I have to use your recommended hotel?

No - you can stay wherever your budget or inclination prefers! We specifically don't include food and accommodation in our itineraries to give you this flexibility. Our recommended hotels offer a convenient, comfortable and good value option based on our experience in the region.

6. What Equipment do I need?

To download a full ice climbing kit list - click here. You are responsible for bringing all items on the kit list - for the more technical items, hire kit is available.

7. Do I need insurance?

Specialist mountaineering rescue insurance covering helicopter evacuation, medical treatment and repatriation is required for all of our overseas ice climbing courses. For more information visit our insurance page.

8. Can I book a personalised version of course '....' with a private guide?

This kind of tailored guiding represents over half of our work - so no problem at all. Just send us some info about your climbing background and experience, what you would like to do and your prefered dates - then we can discuss options and ideas.

 

 
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