Ice climbing is one of the essential elements of mountaincraft. Good thing it's fun too.
Ice climbing is also one of the most fun things you’ll ever do.
There is a common misconception that mountaineering is a reasonable endeavor, whereas ice and rock climbing are extreme. In our opinion, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Climbing mountains often involves long days, early starts, nights in a tent, and some degree of suffering and/or character-building. Though ice climbing may sound cold, and certainly there’s no denying that the ice is frozen, with the right equipment and conditions winter climbing is a pleasure.
After a few days, fit and motivated climbers can find themselves climbing at a level that will surprise themselves most of all.
Most climbers agree that once the initial trepidation about attacking a frozen waterfall with medieval tools is overcome, ice climbing can actually feel more natural than any other type of climbing. Whereas rock climbing is often a series of puzzles involving small holds and intricate sequences, ice climbing is all about technique.
Whatever your ice and mixed climbing dreams look like, let us know and we’d love to take make them happen. All of our ice programs are custom-tailored to fit our guests’ needs, and here are some of our favorites.
Central Oregon Mixed Climbing, OR
It’s true that Oregon doesn’t have a whole lot of ice to swing a tool at, but we do have plenty of cold rock. Ice is nice, no doubt, but to learn the fundamentals of moving over rock and snow all you really need is winter conditions and a cliff. Luckily we have both here in the Central Oregon Cascades, which makes it a perfect place to learn the dark art of mixed climbing.
Rockies Ice & Mixed Climbing, Canada
There’s only one true Mecca for ice in the world, and that’s the Canadian Rockies. Home to multiple lifetimes’ worth of climbing adventures, the Rockies are genuinely special. With hundreds of routes for beginners and experts alike in one of the most majestic mountain ranges on Earth, this place is the real deal. Luckily for us, it’s a short flight to Calgary and the season is long and consistent.
Lofoten Ice & Alpine Climbing, Norway
Even legendary Canadian ice climber Guy Lacelle once said there was probably more ice in Norway than in Canada and the rest of Europe combined. With a cozy home base at the Lofoten Ski Lodge and endless fjords, mountains and possibilities, the potential for truly unique adventures in the Lofoten Islands is outstanding, especially if the idea of mixed climbing in the Arctic floats your boat.
