Grasping onto ice is no easy feat, but it can be one heck of an exhilarating experience. The Canadian Rockies provide some of the best ice climbing around thanks to cold temperatures for months at a time. Some of the best spots to stick a pick to the ice are around Banff.
OnTop Mountaineering is a full-service mountaineering company that offers waterfall ice climbing around the Canmore and Banff areas. Trips are scheduled all throughout November to April, the premiere ice climbing season, and are open to groups as small as two and as large as six. Equipment and rides are included in the price. They also offer ice climbing courses for beginners and custom ice climbing trips for the more seasoned alpinists.
Stemming out of the Belay Cave © Laurel F | Flickr
Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides offers four different courses lasting between two to five days. There’s one for every skill level so you don’t have to worry about having no experience. Courses usually occur on the weekends and are based out of places like Banff and Canmore. They also offer multi-pitch and lead climbing lessons for people looking to advance their skills.
Banff Adventures offers full and half-day trips to conveniently fit your schedule. They also cater to climbers of every skill level and include the cost of all technical gear needed to climb. BA doesn’t provide transportation, so look for a hotel close to Canmore for the shortest trip to your climbing destination. The price of each course goes down the more people who sign up, so get a group together and make it a fun outing for everyone.
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures claims 10 different ice climbing courses on their site, five for beginners and five for intermediate or advanced climbers. The best part is they have semester-long courses for anyone interested in becoming a master at the sport. The three-month program will subject you to intensive mountaineer training and you’ll come out a true ice climbing pro.
Ice Climber Will Gadd at the Upper Falls of Johnston Canyon © Meisterphotos | Dreamstime
Read This Next
Guided Mountain Climbing Trips
Adventure
Jan 15, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Jan 29, 2025Hotel San Luis Obispo Launches Offer for Winter Refresh
Hotel San Luis Obispo invites guests to unwind and reset with a restorative escape along California’s Central Coast. The hotel’s new offer, Winter Refresh Getaway, helps guests kick off the new year feeling their best.
Sponsored Content
Unveiling Europe’s Treasures with AmaWaterways River Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with AmaWaterways, recognized as Best River Cruise Line by Cruise Critic. What sets AmaWaterways apart is its commitment to offering you the luxury of more. With up to eight daily included excursion options, you have the freedom to tailor your journey to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or an architecture aficionado, there's something for everyone on the meticulously crafted itineraries. You will also be treated to a range of exquisitely prepared meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner, an array of complimentary host-led fitness classes, and so much more.
Hotel
Jan 29, 2025“The Traitors”-Inspired Stays in Scotland
Are you a fan of the reality show The Traitors? With the third season currently airing, traveling fans of the show can enjoy themed stays in Scotland at Glenapp Castle and Edinburgh’s The Witchery.
Cruises
Jan 28, 2025What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Cruising?
If you’ve ever cruised before, you’ve probably come back feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and, while sad the cruise is over, prepped to take on the demands of daily life anew. However, this was probably just a feeling, a vibe. You didn’t have a study to back it up — until now.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Hotel
Jan 28, 2025Spend Valentine’s Day in Mexico at These Luxury Resorts
Solmar Hotels & Resorts in Mexico invite travelers to celebrate Valentine’s Day at its properties in Cabo San Lucas. With a variety of romantic offerings available at each property, there is something for every sweetheart.
ShareThis