ICE CLIMBING
First steps on Ice
A half-day to discover ice climbing in the Aosta Valley, learn the basics and enjoy an easy-going first experience.
The experience
Curious about ice climbing? This experience is for beginners who want to try it for the first time or basic/intermediate levels that want to practice the sport in an ice park to improve their skills.
We choose the ice park or the frozen waterfall according to the season, weather, and your pace, creating a relaxed half day focused on learning, movement, and enjoyment.
Level & requirements
Requirements
No previous ice-climbing experience needed. A basic level of fitness and comfort in winter conditions are required.
Level Guide
Each experience is rated separately for technical difficulty and physical effort. These levels describe the experience and fitness generally required from participants. The route grade, when provided, describes the difficulty of a specific climb. Actual difficulty can vary with the route, climbing style, conditions and group.
Technical Level
Level 1 — Beginner
No previous outdoor climbing experience is needed. You are a first-time climber looking to discover the sport.
Level 2 — Basic
Some previous experience is useful, such as indoor climbing or a few outdoor sessions. You are ready to build confidence on easy routes.
Level 3 — Intermediate
You climb regularly and feel comfortable on easy to moderate routes. You are ready for more sustained climbing and a wider range of styles.
Level 4 — Advanced
You have substantial outdoor experience and climb confidently on sustained routes, around French 6a.
Level 5 — Expert
You have extensive outdoor experience and strong technical skills. Routes may include sustained sections and passages around French 6a or more.
Physical Level
This section uses time and elevation gain as a guide to the physical effort of all disciplines. For climbing, these refer mainly to the approach and overall day; time on the wall and descent also affect the effort.
Level 1 — Easy
1–3 hours of activity, little elevation gain (100-300 meters). No specific fitness training needed.
Level 2 — Easy to Moderate
3–4 hours of activity, up to 600 m of elevation gain.
Level 3 — Moderate
4–6 hours of activity, up to 1,000 m of elevation gain.
Level 4 — Demanding
6–9 hours of activity, up to 1,300 meters or more of elevation gain.
Level 5 — Very Demanding
9–12 hours or a multi-day outing, with prolonged effort and substantial elevation gain.
Practical information
Program
3–5 hours of tailored outdoor climbing.
The exact location is chosen according to the ice conditions, weather and access. We’ll agree on the area and meeting point before the outing. Once there, we’ll start with an introduction to the equipment and the basic movements with ice axes and crampons, then try suitable pitches at your own pace. The experience can vary from 3 hours for groups up to 2 people to 5 hours for bigger groups to allow all participants to try several routes. We can choose from different areas across the Aosta Valley, including Ice parks near Cogne, Valsavarenche and Valtournenche. The plan may change to suit the conditions and the group.
Equipment
Technical equipment can be provided.
- Lightweight technical base layer
- Thermal leggings
- Mountaineering trousers (not ski trousers, which can be too warm and not breathable enough).
- Windproof overtrousers (Gore-Tex or similar).
- Breathable base layer top.
- Fleece jacket.
- Windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar).
- Insulated jacket (down or synthetic).
- Neck warmer or buff.
- Warm hat.
- Light gloves.
- Warm gloves.
- Mountaineering boots with a rigid sole (B2 or equivalent). Boots can be rented from Alpstation; ask me if you need recommendations for other rental shops.
- Helmet (provided by the guide if you don’t have one).
- Harness (provided by the guide if you don’t have one).
- Ice axes (provided by the guide if you don’t have your own).
- Crampons (provided by the guide if you don’t have your own).
All the material is mandatory. Dressing in layers is important so you can add or remove clothing as conditions change during the activity. The guide provides all other technical equipment required for the activity.
Booking & Conditions
A 50% deposit confirms your booking.
Get in touch with your preferred date and group size to check availability. A 50% deposit confirms your booking. Participants are strongly advised to have insurance appropriate to the planned activity and geographical area. For full details, including information about the special partner insurance rate, please refer to the Booking & Conditions.
Prices
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | €350/pax | €350 |
| 2 people | €190/pax | €380 |
| 3 people | €150/pax | €450 |
| 4 people | €120/pax | €480 |
| 5 people | €100/pax | €500 |
Included
- Guiding service
- Professional liability insurance of the Guide
- Technical equipment provided by the guide when specified
Not included
- Material rental
- Transport to and from the ice park
- Personal equipment
- Food and drinks
Any other expenses needed for the experience that are not expressly listed under “Included”, for you and the guide.
Gallery
