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Start a thrilling journey into the heart of icy adventures with our guide to the top ice-climbing destinations for 2023. From frozen waterfalls to towering glaciers, these destinations offer diverse experiences for climbers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking a new challenge or a beginner eager to explore the world of ice climbing, these breathtaking locations promise an adrenaline-fueled and unforgettable year of icy escapades. Lace-up your boots, grab your gear, and get ready to conquer the frozen landscapes of the most sought-after ice-climbing destinations in the coming year.
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Ice-climbing Destinations to Visit in 2023
Ouray Ice Park
Nestled in a stunning natural gorge within the San Juan Mountain Range, Ouray Ice Park is a unique destination with over 200 ice and mixed climbs. The park hosts an annual ice festival every January, attracting climbers from around the globe.
The climbs are created by strategically dripping water from pipes connected to the Uncompahgre River, freezing in consistent spots each year. Carefully designed to cater to climbers of all skill levels, this park offers some of the world’s most dependable and enjoyable ice-climbing destinations.
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Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon, located near the popular Canadian winter sports destination of Banff, Alberta, transforms into a magnet for ice climbers and casual hikers during the winter. The canyon offers scenic trails in warmer seasons suitable for hiking by all ages. However, the difficulty level increases from November to the end of April, requiring snowshoes or ice cleats.
These challenging winter trails lead to frozen waterfalls graded from WI2 (beginner-friendly) to WI6 (very difficult), providing exciting opportunities for ice-climbing enthusiasts. Local outfitters are available to rent gear and offer courses, helping climbers grasp the fundamentals of the sport.
Kandersteg, Switzerland
Kandersteg, Switzerland, is renowned for its frozen waterfalls, attracting ice climbers of all skill levels. The Oeschiwald area is among the ice-climbing destinations offering waterfalls that are suitable for beginners and challenging for seasoned professionals.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, guided tours and courses are available to enhance your ice-climbing destination experience. For those with ample experience, the longer Gasterntal, Giesenen, and Oeschinen tours provide thrilling opportunities. The prime time to explore Kandersteg is from the end of December to mid-February.
Cogne Valley, Italy
The Cogne Valley attracts ice climbers from across Europe with its impressive array of more than 150 accessible icefalls suitable for climbers of all levels. Prominent areas like Lillaz and Valontey provide diverse climbs, and strategically set routes allow climbers to tackle multiple promotions daily.
Lillaz Icefall is an ideal starting point for beginners, where local instructors offer lessons covering fundamental skills such as abseiling and ice analysis. Beyond its climbing appeal, the area also provides a captivating opportunity to explore diverse flora and fauna.
Ice Factor
Renowned as the National Climbing Centre, Ice Factor in the Scottish Highlands is a distinctive ice-climbing destination facility. Featuring a 40-foot wall crafted from 500 tons of real snow and ice, the center offers a wide range of climbing routes suitable for climbers of various skill levels.
Maintaining a consistently freezing temperature, the facility replicates the natural freeze/thaw cycle, creating an ideal environment for climbing. This process allows the ice to soften during the day in “warmer” temperatures and refreezes overnight. Instructors are readily available to guide beginners in mastering proper techniques.
Additionally, the center organizes outdoor excursions to some of the most famous peaks in the UK, including the renowned Ben Nevis.
Canmore
Climbing in the Canmore area presents a unique experience on natural waterfalls that consistently freeze throughout much of the winter. This creates an environment with extended and challenging multi-pitch routes for experienced climbers and fantastic crags and climbing areas suitable for beginners.
Accessible climbs abound, and beginner-friendly spots include Junkyards, Grotto Falls, King Creek, Johnston’s Canyon, and Haffner Creek. Ghost River, located 60km from Canmore, is a premier option for those seeking more challenging terrain. Although it may be challenging to reach, the journey is undoubtedly rewarded with an exceptional climbing experience.
Rjukan
During winter, the sides of this deep ravine become adorned with seemingly endless frozen waterfalls, shaped by the combination of Norway’s consistently wet weather and cold winter climate.
This ice-climbing destination experiences no sunlight in the winter, ensuring optimal ice conditions. The ice climbs in Rjukan are easily reachable and offer a wide range of difficulty levels and lengths.
Notable areas include Krokan and Ozzimosis for single pitches and the Gorge for more challenging climbs set against a breathtaking backdrop featuring the renowned Lipton route.
Viedma Glacier
The Viedma Glacier in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field between Chile and Argentina offers a unique ice climbing and glacier walk experience. Known for its spectacular ice formations, deep caves, and steep ridges formed by the glacier’s diverse movements, it provides a thrilling backdrop for ice climbers. Scaling this glacier allows climbers to boast about conquering the largest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and the second-largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Accessible by boat along the edge of Lake Viedma, this adventure offers unparalleled panoramic views of the expansive 380-square-mile glacier.
Helmcken Falls, Canada
Helmcken Falls is an impressive 463-foot waterfall, ranking as the fourth-highest waterfall in Canada. It is a challenging ice-climbing destination in the Wells Gray Provincial Park along the Murtle River. This waterfall is the first climb ever graded as WI 13, making it the most challenging ice climb globally.
The notorious route features a steep 130-foot incline with a challenging overhang, requiring climbers to ascend entirely horizontally. Due to its extreme difficulty level, only experts with precise movements, advanced skills, and techniques should attempt this route.
Kandersteg
Kandersteg stands out as one of the finest and easily accessible European destinations, catering to beginners and experienced climbers. Renowned climbs such as Crack Baby, Blue Magic, and Black Nova challenge climbers of various skill levels. Oeschiwald and Sunnbühl offer excellent courses for newcomers, with Oeschiwald featuring routes suitable for more advanced climbers. The rugged terrain of Gasterntal provides wilder experiences, featuring longer routes designed for seasoned specialists.
Conclusion
As the year unfolds, the icy landscapes of these remarkable ice-climbing destinations beckon enthusiasts with promises of exhilarating challenges and awe-inspiring vistas. Whether you’re drawn to the towering waterfalls of Ouray Ice Park, the challenging routes in Kandersteg, or the pristine beauty of Viedma Glacier, 2023 holds the potential for unforgettable experiences. From beginners seeking introductory courses to seasoned climbers looking to push their limits, these destinations offer a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. So, gear up, embrace the chill, and make 2023 a year filled with thrilling ice-climbing escapades. Your next frozen adventure awaits!
