Basic ice climbing course with mountain guide

Learn the basics of ice climbing from mountain guides and immerse yourself in the world of ice climbing.

Technics
Endurance
To the dates and registration
Ice Climbing Basic Course

Kandersteg BE
Averstal GR

In this two-day course, you will learn the basics of ice climbing. From the correct use of ice axes and crampons to standard movements and belaying, we will show you how to move safely in the icy winter landscape. We climb in the area of an icefall, where routes with one rope length are ideal for practising. In various exercises, you will learn the techniques of ice climbing step by step and put them into practice straight away. Don't worry about the cold, we have a gas cooker with us so that you can have hot coffee, tea or soup in between. We spend the night in a cosy hotel or inn nearby.

  • private ice climbing course
  • Ice climbing in the Avers
  • Ice climbing

  • Procedure and course content

    This course takes place in two areas. In the Averstal GR and in Kandersteg BE.

    • Meeting place

      approx. 9 a.m. in the respective area

      The meeting point will be announced a few days in advance, depending on the area. As the course takes place over two days, we will leave your luggage either at the hotel in the morning before the start or in one of the cars.

    • Course content

      • Materials science
        • Different steep ice machines
        • Different ice screws
      • Rope handling
      • Climbing technique using standard movement in ice
      • Learn belay technique
      • Place ice screws

    • Conclusion

      approx. 4 pm in the respective area

      We will finish the course together on Sunday afternoon at around 4pm.

  • Venues

    Averstal: Hotel Bergalga
    Kandersteg: Hotel Adler

  • Requirements

    • Mastering the belaying technique for indoor lead climbing
    • No previous ice climbing experience necessary

  • Price and services

    • CHF 590.-
    • Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
    • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
    • Including hotel or inn with half board.

  • Material and equipment

    • For this tour you need the following material from this PDF.
    • For hire equipment, we recommend a mountain sports shop in your region.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably directly at Sandra or via the Contact form. 

That's what our guests say:

Benjamin Zuber

Philipp Bührer guided us through a wonderful, instructive and adventurous weekend! He catered to individual needs and every participant clearly felt comfortable and safe. Thank you Philipp for the great ice climbing course!

Impressions: Ice Climbing Basic Course

    Ice climbing basic course in the Safiental
    Abseiling during ice climbing
    Ice Climbing Course
    Lead climbing during the ice climbing course
    Ice Climbing Basic Course
    Ice Climbing Basic Course

This is how you get to the ice climbing experience with us:

  • Averstal

    Weekend from 10 - 11 January 2026
    Only 5 free places left
    Bookmark tour
    Mountain guide
    Marc Lüthi
    CHF 590.-

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Category

Period

Information on endurance and technique

Here you will find the organisation of our tours as a guideline. If you are unsure which level suits you best, feel free to get in touch - We can help you!

Technics

Technology 1 - for beginners

Easy tours, suitable for beginners. The terrain is easy and moderate. No previous mountaineering experience is necessary.

Climbing: No previous experience necessary. Experience in the climbing hall is an advantage.

Technique 2 - Leisurely tours

Easy to slightly challenging tours with short, steeper sections that we master together and with coaching. You are ready for this level after a basic or taster course.

Climbing: You have mastered the The basics of climbing in the gym and in the climbing garden.

Technique 3 - Medium tours

Medium-difficulty tours with short, technical sections that are easy to do with some previous experience. You have already done a few tours and feel confident with your equipment and technique.

Climbing: You know your way around a climbing garden and have some experience with multi-pitch routes.

Technique 4 - First big tours

Challenging tours with longer, steeper passages that require a good level of experience and skill. We secure these sections with ropes and coach you through difficult sections. Suitable for adventure-seekers with solid basic training.

Climbing: You have experience in multi-pitch climbing and feel confident in the climbing garden.

Technique 5 - Grand tours

Very demanding tours, with technical passages that require a good level of experience and skill. These are secured, but smooth, rapid progress is required. For experienced climbers with plenty of experience and a thirst for adventure.

Climbing: You are experienced in multi-pitch climbing and feel equally comfortable on alpine rock and in the climbing garden.

Endurance

Endurance 1 - Easy tours

Easy tours with plenty of time to take a break and enjoy.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 500 - 800 metres per day, 
  • Pace: approx. 250 - 300 m / h.
Endurance 2 - Leisurely tours

"Normal" tour at a leisurely pace with 800 - 1000 vertical metres per day, ~300 hm / h.

Endurance 3 - Medium tours

Longer tours at a steady, fluid pace. A solid basic level of fitness is required here.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 1200 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 4 - First big tours

Long and challenging tours at a brisk but constant pace. Ideal for active sports enthusiasts.

  • Elevation gain: up to 1500 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 5 - Long tours

Very long tours with more than 1500 metres in altitude per day. Requires very good fitness and stamina.

  • Elevation metres: 1500 m + per day
  • Pace: approx. 400 m / h.

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