Introduction to ice climbing in Kandersteg

Frozen waterfalls in the Kandertal offer some of the best ice climbing spots in Switzerland! Kandersteg has all grades of ice falls, in a stunning and wild environment!

After long days out on the ice, you will be happy to go back to the nice and comfortable Victoria Hotel, where you can relax in the sauna, before enjoying a good dinner.

This trip is led by Dougal Tavener, international mountain guide.

What’s the plan

Saturday

Meet your guide in Kandersteg at 09:30. After going through the equipment together, you will start your introductory ice climbing course, at one of the many ice falls near Kandersteg. You will learn the basics and essentials of ice climbing. After a long and exhausting day in the cold, you get back to the hotel for a well-deserved spa, followed by a nice dinner. Night at Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria.

Sunday

After an energising breakfast, you will practice the ice climbing skills introduced to you on the first day and learn new ones, discovering a new beautiful spot.

Technical information and requirements

Technical level

To join this event, you do not need any previous ice climbing experience. However, you need to have some basic knowledge in climbing and rope handling.

Insurance

It is the participant’s responsibility to get health and accident insurances that cover mountain rescue, including extreme sports. Becoming a Rega patron is highly recommended (CHF 40 per year only for emergency medical assistance from the air).

How to get there

If you are traveling from Zurich by public transport, we recommend you to take the following:

Saturday

Zurich HB 07:06 – 09:30 Kandersteg (via Bern)

Sunday

Kandersteg 16:15 – 18:28 Zurich HB (via Bern) – depending on what time we finish

Kit list

Clothing essentials

-Climbing trousers
-Base layers
-Fleece
-Down jacket
-Waterproof jacket
-Buff
-Warm gloves
-Thin gloves
-Warm hat
-Sun glasses

Technical equipment

-Insulated ice climbing or mountaineering boots
-Ice climbing compatible crampons
-Climbing equipment: climbing helmet, harness, belay device and locking carabiner (can be rented out – see “Equipment rental” section)

Food & Beverages

-Packed lunch for both days
-Snacks
-Thermal bottle for tea
-Water bottle

Pharmacy

-Sun screen
-Lip protector
-Plasters (Compeed) and basic medicine
-Face mask & hand disinfectant

Equipment rental

Climbing equipment

You have the possibility to rent a climbing helmet, harness, belay device, and carabiner from the guide for an additional CHF 10.

Crampons

Crampons can be rented out from any Ruedi Bergsport or Bächli Bergshop. Please make sure that you rent them out before the event as there is no rental shop in Kandersteg.

Pricing

The price for this event is CHF 650.

Included in price

-2 days of ice climbing in a small group with an international mountain guide
-Climbing ropes
-Ice axes
-1 night of accommodation at Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria (twin room)
-Access to the hotel spa
-Dinner on Saturday
-Breakfast on Sunday

Not included in price

-Transport to/from Kandersteg
-Cable car from Kandersteg
-Climbing equipment (see “Kit list” and “Equipment rental” sections)
-Crampons
-Packed lunches
-Drinks and snacks

Group size

Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 6

By signing up for this event, you agree that you have read, understood and will adhere to our Terms and Conditions.