Mont blanc, CHAMONIXEUROPEFEB 2027Ice Climbing Course
[ OVERVIEW ]Ice climbing emerges as a distinct discipline, stemming from both mountaineering and rock climbing. It involves ascending icy formations, including couloirs, ice gullies, and frozen waterfalls, relying on essential tools like ice axes, crampons, and additional gear such as ice screws and mobile protection. Scaling ice immerses you in a unique and enchanting mountain dimension, securely suspended while gripping with crampon points and axes planted in the ice, maintaining balance on transient and radiant walls.
The course imparts fundamental techniques for mastering ice climbing: covering everything necessary to confront an icefall during a two-day full-immersion experience in the valleys most renowned for this thrilling discipline.
Experience Details
Next Dates
From 10 Feb 2027
Trip Duration
2 Days
Pricing
From € 500 per Person
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]Learn the Lines.
Climbing Features
The course takes place on frozen waterfalls and icefalls in the Mont Blanc area, on the Courmayeur and Chamonix sides, in the valleys most renowned for this discipline. The Guide chooses the location each day wherever conditions are best, according to temperatures, ice quality and the group's level. The lessons start on gentle slopes and short climbs of varying inclines, so you can build confidence step by step. UIAGM-certified Mountain Guides lead every activity, and all the technical ice climbing equipment you need is provided.
The aim of the course is to give you the fundamentals to climb ice safely: how to use ice axes and crampons, how to move with balance and trust in your points, and how to read the ice. You'll learn the basic progression techniques, how to place ice screws and how to build anchors, with targeted drills to improve your precision and efficiency.
On the second day you put it all together. After instructional and preparatory exercises, you prepare for a multi-pitch ice climbing experience, ending with a double-rope descent. Along the way the Guide shares advice on managing effort, reading conditions and making safe decisions on the ice.
Ice climbing is a unique way to experience the mountains: suspended on a frozen wall, held by the points of your crampons and axes, surrounded by silence and winter light. No previous experience is needed, only good general fitness and the desire to learn.
Tour Itinerary
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Day One: Know your Gear, Trust your Moves.
Meeting point: rendezvous at a suitable location for a briefing. Personal gear check and distribution of technical equipment.
A day dedicated to understanding technical gear and its proper use. Brief introduction with insights into the forces at play and some theoretical knowledge on safety management. The transfer to the icefall will allow us to put theory into practice with short climbs of varying inclines, learning to trust the tools and apply basic progression techniques, as well as using the equipment correctly.
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Mountaineering boots
30/40 L backpack
Mountaineering helmet
Harness
Lanyard or daisy chain
Ice climbing crampons
Trekking poles
1L minimum water bottle or thermos
Energy bars or dried fruits
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Wool hat or hat with fleece lining
Buff (neck gaiter)
Glacier/high mountain sunglasses
Down jacket
Waterproof jacket
Windstopper sweater or insulating garment
Fiber turtleneck
Breathable T-shirts
Spare lightweight gloves
Pair heavy gloves
Pair mountain pants in Schoeller fabric
Base layer or thermal leggings
Mountain socks
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Participants are required to follow the instructions given by the Mountain Guides before and during the activities and to respect any changes to the programme made to ensure their safety.
Rates for lifts, transfers and mountain huts may be subject to changes established and applied by the respective service providers. Point Zero Mountain Guides cannot be held responsible for such changes.
The amounts indicated in the “The Rates Do Not Include” section are approximate and may therefore be subject to change.
For all itineraries and activity programmes, Point Zero Mountain Guides reserves the right to make changes depending on weather conditions, accessibility, mountain hut availability and the physical fitness of the participants.
The periods indicated for the activities are subject to changes depending on weather conditions and the physical conditions of the terrain (snow cover, ground conditions, etc.). They also necessarily depend on the opening and closing dates of the ski lifts, which are established seasonally/annually by the respective operators and are therefore in no way attributable to Point Zero Mountain Guides.
Day Two: Learn to Trust your Crampons.
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A day dedicated to learning instructional and preparatory exercises for ice climbing. Techniques for using ice screws and targeted exercises for constructing anchors will be covered. Specific drills to quickly grasp the secrets of balance and to build trust in crampons planted in the ice will be included, preparing participants for a multi-pitch ice climbing experience with a double-rope descent.
[ the journey ]Into Alpine Freedom.
The Rates Include
Assistance from a UIAGM-certified Mountain Guide
Third-party liability insurance
Assistance with booking additional services (including mountain huts and ski lifts)
Common safety equipment provided for use by the guide
Any personal equipment required (ice climbing gears)
The Rates Do Not Include
Insurance (recommended) covering search and rescue, with UVGAM coverage (€5 per person for 3 days)
Bus or private transfer
Anything not specifically mentioned under “The rates include”
Your Guide
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Matteo Upinot
My connection with nature dates back to my childhood. Growing up among the peaks of the Alps, I have always considered the mountains not simply a physical place, but a true spiritual home.
From a young age, I developed a passion for exploring alpine peaks and trails, turning the mountains from a simple passion into a way of life. Ever since, every free moment has been devoted to returning to the peaks that I consider my refuge.
The decision to turn my passion into a profession came naturally over the years. Today, as a Mountain Guide, I seek to embrace the mountains in every possible way. I consider myself a lifelong explorer, constantly searching for new routes, breathtaking landscapes, and challenges that push me to my limits. The mountains are my school and my office, and my greatest joy is sharing with others the excitement of reaching summits and overcoming obstacles, while conveying the respect and love I have for these extraordinary places.
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
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This course is for anyone who wants to start ice climbing, no previous experience required. It suits mountain lovers, hikers and climbers who want to learn the fundamentals of climbing frozen waterfalls and couloirs. Good general fitness and a head for heights are enough. If you're not sure about your level, contact us and we'll help you decide.
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You'll learn the fundamentals of ice climbing: how to use ice axes and crampons, basic progression techniques, balance and trust in your crampons, how to place ice screws and build anchors, and how to manage safety on the ice. On the second day you'll prepare for a multi-pitch ice climb with a double-rope descent.
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The price includes the guidance of a UIAGM-certified Mountain Guide, third-party liability insurance, assistance with booking additional services such as mountain huts, the common safety equipment provided by the Guide and the personal ice climbing equipment you need. Search and rescue insurance, bus or private transfers and anything not listed as included are not part of the price.
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Click "Book Now" on the course page where booking is available, or use "Contact Us" to check availability and request a place. Not all tours can be booked online right away: for some departures we first confirm availability and the details with you, then guide you through the booking.
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You only need to bring your own clothing and personal items: warm layers, down jacket, waterproof jacket, heavy gloves plus a spare pair, hat, buff, mountain trousers, mountain socks, sunglasses, a water bottle (min. 1 L) and snacks. All the technical equipment (mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes, harness, helmet, backpack) can be provided for rent. If you own your gear, we recommend using it, since you'll be more at ease with equipment you know well.
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Ice climbing is demanding on arms, hands and legs. Good general fitness helps, and exercises like hiking, climbing and strength training for forearms, shoulders and calves are useful. A head for heights and being comfortable in the cold are also important.
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Yes, we offer transfers and every kind of shuttle service you may need, from and to the meeting point, the airport, your accommodation or the icefall. They are not included in the price and can be requested separately.
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Yes. The program can be tailored to include additional days, outdoor activities or guided tours, or organised as a private course for your friends, family or group. Visit our Tailor Made page or contact us and we'll design it for you.
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Safety always comes first. The Guide can change the icefall, the day or the program depending on weather, temperatures and ice quality.
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