The Five Best Places in the World to Ice Climb

Ice climbing is one of the most thrilling sports in the world. The combination of exhilaration and beauty that ice climbing offers participants makes for an unparalleled experience. Ice climbing is growing in popularity in many countries all over the world. Climbers are constantly exploring new locations to find the best places to ice climb. If you are ready for an excellent vacation, take a trip to one of these five best places to ice climb in the world.

1. Valdez, Alaska

Not surprisingly, Alaska is home to some of the best ice climbing spots in the world. If you are looking for the best ice climbing destination in Alaska, check out Valdez. Climbers from all over the world come to explore the famous climbing routes in Valdez, including Mineral Creek, Keystone Canyon and Solomon Gulch. The ice climbs in this area are set among gorgeous glaciers and stunning mountain peaks that rise up against the sea. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in America.

Valdez, Alaska
Valdez, Alaska


2. Rjukan, Norway

This area was little known for ice climbing prior to the 1990s. During that decade, several climbing guides about Rjukan were published that made it a popular destination for ice climbers. There are six different climbing areas to explore around Rjukan. The climbs here are the best in Europe. The season lasts from October to March, giving climbers a long window of climbing opportunity each year. Avoid coming in December and January to skip the worst of the bad weather and short days in Rjukan.

Rjukan, Norway
Rjukan, Norway


3. Swiss Alps

For someone who is new to ice climbing, there is no better place to go learn than Switzerland. The Swiss Alps are full of ice climbing walls where beginners can learn the basics of ice climbing. For those who are expert ice climbers, there are lots of challenging routes to explore in the Alps as well. The premier spot in Switzerland for ice climbing is Kandersteg, which is home to some of the most famous routes in Europe. The waterfalls in Kandersteg are particularly fun to climb.

Ueli Steck climbing Pink Panther, M9+, at Ueschenen, above Kandersteg, Switzerland.
Ueli Steck climbing Pink Panther, M9+, at Ueschenen, above Kandersteg, Switzerland.


4. Canadian Rockies

Canada is a frozen sports paradise, and ice climbing is no exception. The Canadian Rockie are breathtakingly beautiful, and there are lots of great ice climbing routes to explore. All you need to do is listen to the names of some of the most famous routes in Canada to find out what ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies is like. Names like Terminator Wall, Weeping Wall, Ghost River and Cascade Falls conjure up powerful images, and the power reflects the great beauty of these routes that draw in ice climbers from around the globe.

Ice Climbing Weeping Wall
Ice Climbing Weeping Wall


5. Ulamertorsuaq, Greenland

Greenland is actually full of ice, which makes it an ideal spot for ice climbers to visit. The best location for ice climbing in Greenland is Ulamertorsuaq. This mountain range has for peaks that are all above 1,800 meters in height. The high altitude and the perpendicular cliff faces of Ulamertorsuaq make it a draw for climbers who want to make several difficult climbs during one trip.

Climbing the starting serac during the first ascent of Metrophobia up the West Face of Apostel Tommelfinger in Greenland
Climbing the starting serac during the first ascent of Metrophobia up the West Face of Apostel Tommelfinger in Greenland


Теги: ice climbing, The Five Best Places in the World to Ice Climb
Автор: Adam Hayes, special for 4sport.ua
Опубліковано в льодолазіння

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