Ice Climbing
“Ice is time solidified.”
- Gretel Ehrlich -
Canmore and The Canadian Rockies are an ice climbers paradise.
Paramount Guides can introduce you to this exciting and popular sport. We have something for everyone from beginners who want to get a taste of ice climbing and learn the basics to customized days for experienced ice climbers who want to learn new techniques or who want to challenge themselves and accomplish a much desired objective.
Discover new heights while discovering a new passion.
Intro to Ice Climbing:
Ice climbing is a thrilling adventure sport that mirrors rock climbing, only with ice. Climbers ascend frozen waterfalls, icefalls, and rock formations covered in thick, solid ice. While the use of ropes and harnesses remains the same as rock climbing, the gear is quite different. Instead of lightweight rock shoes, climbers wear boots equipped with crampons, which provide grip on the slippery ice. Rather than relying on handholds, climbers use ice axes, one in each hand to anchor them into the ice, and instead of fixed bolts for protection, they place ice screws along the route.
The technique in ice climbing is key to success. Climbers swing their ice axes into the ice, ensuring a secure placement before driving the front points of their crampons into the frozen surface. When executed correctly, the movements can feel fluid and rhythmic, like climbing a ladder. As with any technical sport, proper training from a professional is essential to mastering the technique and ensuring safety.
Image: Maarten Van Haeren
This program includes:
Instruction by a Professional ACMG Guide.
Ropes
Protection gear such as Ice screws
And does not includes:
Transportation
Food
Personal Ice climbing gear (Helmet / Boots / Ice Axe / Crampons / Harness). This gear could be rented.
Mandatory Avalanche Safety Gear (If you would like to rent it from us the cost would be: Avalanche Beacon $10.00 / Avalanche Shovel $5.00 / Avalanche Probe $5.00)
Private Group - Full Day (8 Hours): $510.00 for the first person and each additional person is $95.00 + GST.
Minimum Group Size 1 - Maximum Group Size 4
Customized Ice:
Do you want to practice and improve your skills, or are you looking for one of the many unique climbs in the Canadian Rockies?
Let us know what you want and we will help you make your ideas a reality by supporting you with our expertise and knowledge.
Cost does not include:
Transportation
Food
Personal Ice climbing gear (Helmet / Boots / Ice Axe / Crampons / Harness). This gear could be rented.
Mandatory Avalanche Safety Gear (If you would like to rent it from us the cost would be: Avalanche Beacon $10.00 / Avalanche Shovel $5.00 / Avalanche Probe $5.00)
Logistical details
Location: TBD Depending on your objectives and ideas, as well as on weather and ice conditions the exact location for each program is to be determined.
Transportation: You should be prepared to drive to the trailhead.
Food: Bring snacks and a lunch, plus 1 to 2 liters, of ideally hot drinks.
Clothing: You should come prepared for a full day in the outdoors.
Additional information:
Please keep in mind that prior to heading out for any of our ice climbing program all participants are required to read and agree to waiver terms and conditions prior to booking completion. A copy of which can be found paramount-guides.com/waivers
Our ice climbing programs takes place in a backcountry winter environment. Conditions can be harsh, and you need to be dressed appropriately. Being warm and comfortable will enhance your enjoyment.