Ice Climbing

Description

The frozen Lakeland ghylls can be stunningly beautiful and can give a great variety of short-pitch climbing for introducing crampon and ice tool techniques.

On the higher crags of the fells, snow-filled gullies are ideal for teaching basic snow craft, while the bottoms can offer good mixed routes.

Perhaps best of all are the long ice smears which form quickly when a cold snap follows a wet spell. Here we can guide you while learning the pleasure of making your own holds with ice tools and crampons on a thin, ever-changing medium. We'll show you how to place ice screws and make threads in the ice.

This can all quickly become addictive, and soon you'll be wanting to follow us to the magnificent ice fields of Colorado, USA.

Location

We offer courses and short breaks in both the Lake District and in Scotland.

In the past we have also led trips to Colorado, but these have temporarily been put on hold due to changing liability and insurance requirements in the USA.

Conditions / Level of Difficulty / Fitness Requirements

Whilst we try to tailor our activities to your fitness level, ice climbing is one of the more demanding outdoor adventure sports.

As a general guide, you will need to be of at least average fitness and be willing and able to cope with sometimes cold and/or inclement conditions. Good arm and wrist strength would also be an advantage.

What We Provide

Go Higher will provide:

• instructor/s;

• all technical equipment as required (e.g. ropes, harnesses, helmets, ice axes, crampons); and

• local transport to and from the activity (but see specific courses and holidays for exclusions - e.g. airfares).

What You Need to Provide

• adequate personal insurance;

• sturdy, waterproof footwear suitable for walking in snow/winter conditions and for attaching crampons;

• warm socks and gloves;

• waterproofs (including gloves, jacket and trousers);

• small rucksack to carry personal items, lunch and extra clothing;

• warm clothing;

• camera;

• packed lunch / flask;

• sun cream / lip balm; and

• small amount of cash.

Remember that conditions can change rapidly in the hills, so always be prepared! It is often worth bringing along a spare set of clothing (and comfortable shoes) to change into at the end of the day.

Also check the conditions for your chosen course or holiday, as requirements vary for each course/holiday.

Scheduled Courses and Holidays

Below are the scheduled courses and holidays for this activity. For the full list of activities, courses and holidays please refer to the Tariff and Calendar.

Current mountain weather conditions are reported by the National Park Authority.

We also make regular trips to the renowned ice climbing of the Colorado Rockies and throughout Europe.

Like to know more?

If you'd like to know more about this activity and/or Go Higher and our our services, please feel free to contact us.

Make a Booking

Would you like to join us? Then fill in our booking form.

Blea Water Ghyll, Mardale, Lake District. Photo © Steve Morgan, Go Higher.

Steep waterfall ice in Rifle, Colorado..