Ice climbing

Ice climbing is often misunderstood.

People imagine clinging to an ice axe for dear life, their hands frozen stiff, whereas the reality of ice climbing is much different and a whole lot of fun with just a little experience (even though you will never run the risk of getting a sunburn!).

The winter atmosphere, the ice's amazing shapes and colors, combined with ice climbing's unique technique will make your vertical adventure an unforgettable experience.

We will guide, instruct, and show you how to safely have fun and take full advantage of this unique frozen medium.

The ice climbing season usually runs from December to the end of February.

3 days / 2 nights

Ice climbing workshop

Enjoy 3 days of ice in the Queyras!

All-inclusive stay to become self-sufficient or improve your skills on multipitch ice climbing routes

• On demand

To learn more / Register

On demand

Day or half day, on wednesdays

Public ice climbing adventure

Half day or full day

Wednesday. Ideal for trying out crampons and ice axes.

• On demand

To learn more / Register

One day

Beginner / First Time

Beginner lessons and your first time ice climbing start at an area perfectly suited for learning.

• On demand

To learn more / Register

One day

Ice Climbing

Intermediate / learning to lead

Multi-pitch routes or learning to lead and manage a rope team

• On demand

To learn more / Register

One day

Ice Climbing

Long committing routes

The ice climbing route you dream

• On demand

To learn more / Register

According to destination

Ice Climbing

Other destinations

Ice climbing can be a great way to discover new places

• On demand

To learn more / Register

Ice climbing/winter climbing

Technical gear

A 35 liter (approximate) backpack
A mountaineering/climbing helmet*
Telescopic hiking poles that fit into your pack (3 sections), otherwise ski poles will work
A pair of ice axes for ice climbing
Twelve-point steel crampons (step-in or straps) that are sharpened and fit your boots
Harness*
Three locking carabiners
A belay device (Reverso, ATC-Guide or other device with a guide mode for belaying a second)
Accessory cord for a friction hitch (150cm of 7mm-diameter accessory cord)*
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Transceiver, shovel, and probe*

*Gear we can provide if necessary. Please let us know before the outing what gear you need.

Personal gear

Mountaineering boots with a rigid (shank) sole, and with both toe and heel welts for automatic crampons. Your boots should be suited for winter weather.
Note: spending the day in worn-out boots that are not warm enough can ruin the outing. You should be able to move your toes inside your boots to avoid cold feet. You are better off selecting a boot that is a half or full size bigger than usual. If you do not have winter mountaineering boots, backcountry ski touring boots will also work.
Warm hiking socks (no cotton!)
Waterproof mountaineering or ski pants
Base layers – expedition weight – top and bottom
Gaiters (essential, make sure they are big enough to fit over your boots)
Waterproof hard shell jacket (Gore-Tex or other)
Down/synthetic parka
Fleece jacket or warm insulated jacket
Fast-wicking t-shirt base layer
Three pairs of gloves (2 lightweight pair and 1 warm pair or even mittens)
Fleece/wool hat (which ideally covers your ears)
Neck warmer/balaclava
High altitude sunglasses (Level 4 UV protection)
Ski goggles
Sunscreen and lip balm
1 liter thermos
Lunch and high-energy snack
In a Ziploc bag: cash, credit/debit card, 2 or 3 checks (huts rarely take debit/credit cards), health insurance card, proper identification
Lightweight survival blanket
Compact camera