Classic Alpine Icefalls
Level 2 : Guided Climbing
In ice climbing, more than almost any other mountain discipline, good technique is the key to progressing confidently through the grades and climbing classic alpine ice routes.
Take the next step in your ice climbing journey with our Classic Alpine Icefalls Course. Designed as the natural progression from our Level 1 Ice Climbing Skills Course, this five-day programme builds on your existing skills, introducing you to longer, steeper and more sustained icefalls in some of the Alps' most spectacular climbing venues.
Throughout the week you'll refine your technique, develop greater efficiency and confidence on steeper terrain, and gain valuable experience climbing classic alpine ice routes under the guidance of an experienced ISM Guide. Whether your goal is to climb harder grades or simply experience some of the finest frozen waterfalls in the Alps, this course provides the perfect bridge between learning the fundamentals and becoming a confident, capable alpine ice climber.
Course Highlights
Climb some of the classic icefalls around the Alps
Develop your skills and experience icefall climbing
Enjoy a progression of both skills and grade of ice climbed
Expert guiding and instruction from experienced ISM Guides
Price includes all uplift, breakfast and evening meals, transport and accommodation
Is This Course For Me?
This course is the ideal next step after completing our Level 1 Ice Climbing Skills Course, or for anyone with a solid foundation in ice climbing who is ready to gain more experience on longer, classic alpine icefalls.
Throughout the week we'll focus on climbing multi-pitch routes in some of the Alps' finest ice climbing venues, carefully selecting objectives to match the prevailing weather and ice conditions. Our aim is not only to help you climb some truly memorable routes, but also to develop your technique, efficiency and decision-making so you leave as a more confident and capable ice climber.
The week is paced to suit the group. We begin by refreshing and refining your movement and technique on more moderate ice before gradually progressing onto longer, steeper and more committing routes as confidence and ability grow. This progressive approach allows everyone to build experience at a comfortable pace while enjoying an unforgettable week climbing some of the Alps' most iconic frozen waterfalls.
A Classic Icefalls Week
You'll have the opportunity to climb in some of the finest ice climbing venues in the Alps, moving between the best areas as weather, ice conditions and temperatures dictate. This flexible approach allows us to make the most of the conditions, ensuring you experience the highest quality climbing throughout the week.
If your goal is simply to enjoy an unforgettable week climbing classic alpine icefalls, you'll spend the week seconding multi-pitch routes while refining your technique, building confidence and becoming increasingly fluent in the skills required to climb efficiently on steep ice.
If your ambition is to progress towards leading ice climbs, we'll introduce lead-climbing techniques when the conditions are right and you're ready. Under the close supervision of your ISM Guide, you'll learn the principles of safely leading on ice, giving you the skills, confidence and judgement to begin climbing independently with the greatest possible margin of safety.
Course Content
- Refreshing and building on your existing ice climbing skills
- Efficient movement and climbing technique on steeper ice
- Understanding ice conditions and the effects of weather and temperature
- Snowpack assessment and avalanche awareness
- Climbing classic multi-pitch alpine icefalls
- Placing and removing ice screws with confidence
- Building secure ice belays and anchors
- Ropework for multi-pitch climbing, belaying and lead climbing
- Constructing V-thread anchors and abseiling safely
- Understanding ice grades, route selection and interpreting guidebooks
- "multi-pitch" reinforces that this is Level 2.
- "route selection and interpreting guidebooks" sounds more like developing into an independent alpine ice climber rather than simply learning grades.
Sample Programme
Sunday - Arrival & Briefing
Your course begins with a welcome briefing at 6:45pm at Hotel PlanB, Le Fayet Saint-Gervais, Chamonix Mont Blanc.
Meet your ISM Guide and fellow climbers, discuss the week's objectives, check equipment and ask any last-minute questions before enjoying dinner together.
Monday - Refresh & Refine
Our first day is all about refreshing and refining the skills developed on the Level 1 course. We'll climb at one of the excellent ice climbing venues close to Chamonix, focusing on efficient movement, precise footwork, confident use of ice tools and climbing technique on more moderate terrain.
This provides the perfect foundation before progressing onto longer and more sustained multi-pitch icefalls later in the week.
Overnight: Hotel PlanB, Le Fayet Saint-Gervais.
Tuesday to Friday - Classic Alpine Icefals
After crossing into Italy through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, we'll spend the next four days climbing some of the Alps' finest classic icefalls.
Depending on conditions, we'll base ourselves in the world-renowned Cogne Valley, the spectacular Valsavarenche, Ollomont or other outstanding venues within the Aosta Valley. Each area offers an excellent selection of classic multi-pitch icefalls, allowing us to select routes that best suit the conditions and the experience of the group.
Throughout the week you'll climb a variety of classic alpine ice routes while continuing to develop your efficiency, route management, rope work and overall confidence on steeper and more sustained terrain. For those ready to progress, opportunities may also arise to develop lead-climbing skills under the close supervision of your ISM Guide.
Our flexible approach means we're never tied to one location. Instead, we follow the best ice, ensuring every day offers the finest possible climbing experience.
On Friday afternoon we'll return to Hotel PlanB, Le Fayet Saint-Gervais, where we'll enjoy a final evening together.
Saturday - Departure
Breakfast is included before departure.
Throughout the course you'll stay in comfortable mountain hotels, providing the perfect place to relax and recover after each day's climbing. Good food, warm hospitality and spectacular alpine surroundings ensure you're ready for another rewarding day on the ice.
Course Dates & Booking
Meet the Team
Matt Stygall
IFMGA British Mountain Guide
Originally from the flatland of Norfolk, Matt soon escaped to the highlands of Scotland, to cut his teeth on the Scottish winter climbing scene there. He then worked full time at Plas Y Brenin in North Wales…
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Steve Monks
IFMGA British Mountain Guide
A well known international climber, Steve has climbed and explored all over the world.
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Rose Gare-Simmons
ISM Marketing
Rose is a Summer Mountain Leader, healthcare professional, and passionate advocate for the healing power of the outdoors. Her work is rooted in the simple belief that time in the mountains can change how we feel, how…
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Tommaso Dusi
IFMGA Italian Mountain Guide
Tommaso is a an experienced Italian mountain guide and regular year-round ISM team member. He loves the mountains and helping people to connect and find happiness in nature.
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Adrian Nelhams
ISM Director and IFMGA British Mountain Guide
As a Director of ISM, Adrian splits his time between guiding, the ISM office, family and climbing for himself. During his 30+ year commitment to the team, Adrian has played a key role in the development of ISM.
Read MoreVital Information
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- Getting to Le Fayet Saint Gervais, Mt Blanc
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