Discover Winter Adventure Holidays with Ice Climbing

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping off the beaten piste and into a true frozen playground, then ice climbing is your moment. On this guide we’ll dive into how to plan ice climbing as part of your winter adventure holidays, from picking the right destination, learning the gear and technique, to picking your first course and staying safe in the alpine world.

So—ready to feel the cold, tap the ice, and grasp the thrill of scaling frozen waterfalls?

Why Ice Climbing Fits Perfectly into Winter Adventure Holidays

Winter adventure holidays aren’t just about cosy chalets and hot chocolates by the fire—while those are lovely. They are about stepping beyond comfort, into nature’s pure and powerful elements. Ice climbing lets you do exactly that. You climb vertical ice, feel the swing of your ice-axes, the bite of your crampons, and the silent, frozen landscape around you.

It’s for beginners and for those who’ve climbed rock or indoor walls and want the “cold-real-world” challenge. In this article you’ll learn: where to go, how to prepare, what gear you need, what to expect on your first trip—and how to build your confidence so your next winter adventure holiday isn’t just a holiday, but an experience.

Which frozen wall will you take your first swing at?

Why Ice Climbing is an Ideal Winter Adventure Holiday Activity

• It combines physical challenge, nature immersion and scenery like few other activities do—perfect for a winter adventure holiday where you're not just passive but active.
• It works well with winter landscapes: frozen waterfalls, alpine valleys, accessible only in colder months. For example, a guide says: “Ice climbing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports out there … one of the best months to visit Norway for winter activities.” 
• It caters for all levels: complete beginners can go on guided courses, and more experienced climbers can push on. For example, a UK-based provider offers beginner-friendly ice climbing courses in the Alps.
• It’s an excellent way to make your winter adventure holiday memorable—you’re actively conquering terrain, not just relaxing.

Where to Go: Top Destinations for Ice Climbing on Winter Adventure Holidays

Here are five great destinations to start your ice-climbing journey on your winter adventure holiday:

Rjukan, Norway

In the deep valleys of southern Norway lies Rjukan, a frozen wonderland that turns into one of Europe’s most reliable ice-climbing destinations each winter. The town’s dramatic gorge funnels cold air through the season, creating hundreds of vertical blue-ice routes that sparkle in the Nordic light. Beginners can cut their teeth on gentle cascades like Krokan, while seasoned climbers take on soaring multi-pitch lines deep in the valley.

For comfort and cosiness after a day on the ice, stay at Gaustatoppen Lodge — a stylish mountain hideaway with panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and hearty Norwegian dinners by the fire.

Alternatively, Rjukan Admini Hotelcombines heritage charm with modern touches, perfect for those who want that mix of adventure and luxury.

After a day scaling Norway’s frozen waterfalls, there’s nothing like a glass of aquavit and a view of the northern lights.

Explore more incredible winter adventure holidays with Jamie Wake Travel — we’ll help you turn your Rjukan dream into reality.

Chamonix, France (Alps)

Few places capture the spirit of a winter adventure holiday quite like Chamonix. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, this French alpine town has been the heartbeat of mountain sports for over a century. Its frozen gullies and icefalls attract climbers from across the world — and thanks to its excellent guiding services, it’s a brilliant place for first-time ice adventurers too.

Stay at the boutique Hotel Mont Blanc, where elegant interiors meet postcard-perfect views of the Aiguille du Midi. Or choose Les Granges d’en Haut, a cluster of chic alpine chalets with private spas — ideal for soothing tired muscles after a day on the ice.

With cafés buzzing, lifts spinning, and guides ready to lead you to glistening ice walls in nearby Argentiere or Cogne, Chamonix balances adrenaline and alpine style beautifully.



Let Jamie Wake Travel craft your bespoke Chamonix itinerary — whether it’s your first climb or your next great winter adventure holiday.

Cairngorms & Aviemore, Scotland

You don’t have to travel far to find world-class ice climbing. Right here in the UK, the Cairngorms National Parktransforms into a white wilderness each winter, its gullies and corries filled with crisp Scottish ice. The climbs around Coire an t-Sneachda and Lochnagar offer breathtaking views and achievable routes for beginners under expert guidance.

Base yourself in Aviemore, where The Cairngorm Hotel provides traditional Highland warmth and hearty local meals. For a touch of boutique comfort, The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant delivers rustic elegance and roaring fires just minutes from the mountains.

Between climbs, explore whisky distilleries, spot reindeer on the snowy hills, or simply enjoy the peaceful charm of the Highlands.



Jamie Wake Travel can arrange guided courses, accommodation, and transfers — everything you need for a Scottish winter adventure holiday that’s as rugged as it is rewarding.

Swiss Alps

Think pristine peaks, chocolate-box villages, and frozen waterfalls that glisten like glass — the Swiss Alps offer the perfect blend of adventure and elegance. Areas such as Kandersteg and the Valais host some of Europe’s most dependable ice routes, all within easy reach of charming alpine resorts.

Stay in Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, a welcoming base in Kandersteg where climbers gather over fondue and local wine. Or upgrade your experience at The Cambrian Adelboden, where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal an endless panorama of snow-dusted summits.

Switzerland is about balance — technical challenges by day, impeccable hospitality by night. It’s a natural fit for travellers who want their winter adventure holiday to combine thrill with sophistication.



Jamie Wake Travel will help you discover the perfect mix of climbs and comfort across the Swiss Alps — tailored entirely to your pace and passion.

Canada Rockies (Alberta)

For those chasing big wilderness and bigger ice, nothing compares to the Canadian Rockies. Around Banff, Canmore and Jasper, colossal frozen waterfalls line the valleys, offering everything from gentle beginner lines to the legendary “Weeping Wall”. The scenery is vast, the air crisp, and the sense of adventure unmatched.

Unwind at Mount Engadine Lodge, an off-grid mountain retreat with log-fire dining and sweeping alpine views, or choose The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore for a luxurious base within walking distance of local routes and après-adventure charm.

Days here start with frosty sunrises and end beneath starlit skies — the kind of moments that define a true winter adventure holiday.



Speak to Jamie Wake Travel to build your tailor-made Canadian Rockies experience — from expert guides to flights and lodges, we’ll handle every icy detail.

How to Pick the Right Ice Climbing Course on Your Winter Adventure Holiday

When you’re planning your winter adventure holiday around ice climbing, here are the key criteria:

• Beginner-friendly: Look for courses labelled “introductory” or “no previous experience required”. For example, some providers require only basic winter walking skills. 
• Guide ratio and qualification: A good course will have qualified mountain/ice guides and reasonable group sizes. In Chamonix, some courses run 1 guide : 2 participants. 
• Equipment inclusion / rental: Especially as a beginner, courses that include or allow rental of technical gear are wise. 
• Duration and terrain: Decide whether you want a short intro (1–3 days) or a full week-long winter adventure holiday with multiple climbing days.
• Location & logistics: Consider travel time, altitude, climate, and how comfortable you are with remote environments.
• Safety & weather-management: Winter terrain changes fast—look for providers that account for it and adapt plans accordingly. 

Once you pick a course, you’ll feel ready—and your winter adventure holiday will already have real substance.

What Gear & Skills You’ll Need (and What You Can Anticipate)

Essential Gear

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, whether buying or renting, for your ice-climbing winter adventure holiday:

• Helmet, harness, ropes, belay device. 
• Crampons (rigid for ice), boots compatible with them. 
• Ice axes – typically two technical axes for vertical ice. 
• Clothing: layered system (base, mid, shell), waterproof/insulated outer. Warm gloves (thin dexterity pair + bulk pair). 
• Backpack, headlamp, maybe avalanche safety kit (transceiver, probe, shovel) depending on terrain. 

Skills & Technique

• Basic climbing skills: belaying, rope management, knots. Even if the course provides guidance, being comfortable helps. 
• Ice-tool technique: swing properly, place axes securely, manage movements on ice. 
• Crampon technique: front-pointing, managing edges on vertical ice, balance. 
• Assessing ice & conditions: learning how to pick routes, recognising weak ice, knowing weather and avalanche risk. 
• Mental and physical fitness: winter conditions are demanding. One article notes a full body workout, early starts and cold-weather endurance. 

When you turn up ready with gear, skills, and mindset—your winter adventure holiday becomes not just exciting but safer and far more fulfilling.

What to Expect on Your First Ice Climbing Winter Adventure Holiday

Here’s what a typical 2-3 day (or longer) ice-climbing winter adventure holiday might look like:

• Day 1: Travel to your destination, gear check, orientation, safety briefing. Possibly first climbs on gentler ice.
• Day 2: Full day of climbing: learning ice-tool technique, placements, front-pointing on crampons, maybe short climbs of frozen waterfalls.
• Day 3 (or more): Putting skills into action: a longer climb, or climbing a more vertical route under guide supervision, maybe a rest or side activity (snowshoeing, exploring).
  

Throughout you’ll feel that mixture of excitement + respect for nature + personal achievement typical of a winter adventure holiday. You might finish each day sore, exhilarated, and already mentally remembering the swing of the pick, the crack of ice under crampon front-points.

Safety Considerations for Your Winter Adventure Holiday

Safety is non-negotiable. As you’re planning your winter adventure holiday around ice climbing, keep these in mind:

• Weather and ice conditions can change rapidly. Snow, melt, freeze cycles all affect ice quality. One guide says: “We will tailor the day to your abilities, the weather and the avalanche risk.” 
• Avalanche risk: if you’re in backcountry terrain, know the risk, take training, always carry the right kit.
• Don’t rush into difficult routes: build confidence in easier grades (WI1–2) before moving up.
• Guides matter: Qualified professionals know terrain, risk, rescue, local specificities.
• Know your limits: Winter adventure holidays are fantastic—but they also ask more of you physically and mentally. One article states you “need to arrive ready to put in the graft … have a robust mindset.” 



By taking safety seriously, you ensure your winter adventure holiday becomes one you remember for its thrill—and not for misadventure.

How to Make the Most of Your Winter Adventure Holiday Experience

• Book early: winter is peak time for ice-climbing courses in sought-after venues.
• Pair climbing with other winter adventure elements: e.g., snowshoeing, winter hikes, scenic transfers.
• Choose accommodation that enhances the experience: a mountain lodge, cosy hostel, or chalet near your climbing terrain.
• Embrace the full moment: early starts, fresh air, the silence of frozen altitudes—this is part of the magic of your winter adventure holiday.
• Capture the memories: photos on the ice, with gear, in the frozen waterfall settings. Share your story.
• Stretch beyond: After your first ice-climbing course, consider more advanced slopes, longer trips, maybe multi-pitch ice. Your winter adventure holiday might be the start of a new hobby.

Jamie Says:

“On my first ice-climbing day I remember the moment my front-points bit into the ice and I thought: ‘Yes, this is the kind of winter adventure holiday I’ve been waiting for.’ Bring curiosity, respect the ice, and you’ll come back thrilled.”

Booking Protections for Your Winter Adventure Holiday with Jamie Wake Travel

At Jamie Wake Travel we believe your winter adventure holiday should be as safe and secure as it is exciting. That’s why:

• We provide ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance so your trip is safeguarded.
• We work with trusted guides and partners specialising in ice-climbing and winter terrain.
• We’ll help you choose a suitable package for your level, fitness and adventure appetite—so your first ice-climbing winter adventure holiday is well matched.
• We support you from enquiry to booking to return home, so you can focus on the thrill, not the logistics.

Why Choose Jamie Wake Travel for Your Ice Climbing Winter Adventure Holiday

When you book your ice-climbing winter adventure holiday with Jamie Wake Travel:

• You get bespoke service: we listen to your goals (“I’ve never climbed before but want a weekend intro”) or (“I’ve climbed rock, want a week of ice”).
• You’ll access expert advisors who know winter terrain and ice-climbing partners.
• Your holiday is as unique as you are—we’ll use our website’s search tool to craft your perfect winter adventure holiday, tailored to your dates, skill level, destinations, and budget.
• We’re UK-based, easily contactable, and with reassuring protections in place (ATOL, Supplier Failure).
• From your initial enquiry to the moment you take the first swing of your axes—I’m right here to help you plan, prepare and enjoy.

To discuss your next winter adventure holiday and book your ice-climbing experience, call us on 01495 400005 or complete our enquiry form on the website.

Final Takeaway

Your ice-climbing winter adventure holiday is more than just a trip—it’s a story you’ll tell for years. From the frozen waterfall’s glint at dawn, to the satisfying tap of an ice-axe placement, to the camaraderie of your guide and fellow climbers—you’re not just holidaying, you’re adventuring.


So step into your boots, strap on the crampons, and choose the destination that calls to you. With Jamie Wake Travel, your winter adventure holiday starts the moment you enquire—and the ice calls the moment you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ice Climbing & Winter Adventure Holidays