If you’re itching for an adrenaline rush and want to get out of the city, ice climbing might be just the thing. With its sheer walls and steep climbs, it’s not for the faint of heart—or those who don’t know how to use crampons.
If you’ve got a craving for adventure, here are some of the most amazing places in America where you can climb icy towers and face-first jump off cliffs:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Ice climbing involves ascending ice formations using specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and ropes. |
| Ice climbing can be dangerous, so it’s important to have proper training, equipment, and experience. |
| Beginners can try ice climbing with proper supervision, training, and equipment, and many spots offer terrain suitable for beginners. |
| There are many incredible and unique ice climbing destinations across the world, each offering its own set of challenges and beauty. |
| Additional resources such as articles, blogs, and guides can help climbers learn more about ice climbing destinations and experiences. |
The Pinnacles at Hyalite Canyon, Montana
The Pinnacles are a popular ice climbing spot in Hyalite Canyon, Montana. They’re easily accessible and offer some of the best views in the region. Ice climbers can reach them by hiking along a trail that leads to their base camp area or by snowmobiling up to them if they’d prefer not to hike (but bring your own snowmobile).
The formations have been around since the last glacial period some 10,000 years ago, so they’re well-established–and they make for great photographs!
Ready for an ice climbing adventure? Check out the top 15 ice climbing destinations in the USA that offer a unique and thrilling experience for all skill levels.
Huntington Ravine, New Hampshire
Huntington Ravine is a popular ice climbing area located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It’s one of the most popular destinations for climbers looking to get their adrenaline fix, as it has over 200 routes ranging from beginner to expert level.
The ravine is on the east side of The Whites and offers climbers stunning views of Mount Washington, Mount Lafayette and other nearby peaks as well as an opportunity to explore some remote areas that may otherwise be inaccessible during warmer months.
Recommended Gear for Huntington Ravine, New Hampshire
| Gear | Brand |
|---|---|
| Crampons | Black Diamond |
| Ice axe | Petzl |
| Helmet | Mammut |
| Harness | Arc’teryx |
| Rope | Beal |
| Ice screws | Grivel |
| Boots | La Sportiva |
The above table suggests the recommended gear for ice climbing in Huntington Ravine, New Hampshire. It includes the necessary equipment such as Crampons, ice axe, helmet, and other recommended equipment from top brands such as Black Diamond, Petzl, Mammut, Arc’teryx, Beal, and La Sportiva.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a United States National Park located in the state of Wyoming, south of Yellowstone National Park, named after the Grand Teton mountain range.
The park boasts alpine lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and some of the highest peaks in North America. It’s also home to one of ice climbing’s most popular spots: Snow King Mountain.
The best time to go ice climbing at this location is from late December through March when there are fewer crowds and better conditions for climbing on frozen waterfalls such as Upper Cascade Falls or Lower Cascade Falls (pictured).
Looking for a challenge? The most dangerous ice climbing routes in America will push you to your limits and test your skills on some of the most unforgiving landscapes in the country.
Bozeman Ice Festival in Hyalite Canyon, Montana
The Bozeman Ice Festival, hosted by the Montana Climbers Association and held in Hyalite Canyon from January 28 to February 1 this year, is one of America’s most exciting winter events. The festival attracts climbers from all over the world to compete for cash prizes as well as bragging rights for their routes.
The best part? You don’t have to be an experienced mountaineer or ice climber to enjoy it–you just need a pair of crampons, some basic gear and an adventurous spirit!
Provo River Falls, Utah
If you’re looking for an adventure that won’t break the bank, consider Utah. The state is home to some incredible ice climbing destinations and it also has plenty of other outdoor adventures on offer.
The best place to start is with the Provo Canyon in Utah. The falls are located at the end of this canyon, where water rushes over rocks into a pool below. These falls have been called ‘the most Adventurous Ice Climbing Spots In The USA’ by many climbers who visit them every year!
You can choose from two routes: one straight up/down or an easier route which involves abseiling down into the fall itself before climbing back up again. Either way, these routes offer some amazing views into nature and make for great photos when you’re done!
New to ice climbing? Check out the best ice climbing spots for beginners in the USA to get started on your ice climbing journey, with gentle slopes and beginner-friendly terrain to practice on.
Blackcomb Mountain, British Columbia
Blackcomb Mountain is a ski resort in British Columbia, Canada. It is the largest ski area in Canada and has some of the most challenging terrain in the world. It’s home to over 50 lifts, including two gondolas that connect Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains at an elevation of 2,289 meters (7,500 feet).
The mountain offers ice climbing opportunities for beginners through expert climbers year-round–and if you’re not looking for an adrenaline rush but instead want to take advantage of this beautiful setting during warmer months when ice isn’t available? You can still go hiking or biking!
Top Ice Climbing Routes on Blackcomb Mountain, British Columbia
| Route | Difficulty | Gear | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasta La Vista | WI3 | Crampons, Ice Axes, Ice Screws | Petzl, Black Diamond, Grivel |
| Over the Rainbow | WI4 | Crampons, Ice Axes, Ice Screws | Petzl, Black Diamond, Grivel |
| Straight Outta Squamish | WI5 | Crampons, Ice Axes, Ice Screws | Petzl, Black Diamond, Grivel |
| Entropy | WI6 | Crampons, Ice Axes, Ice Screws | Petzl, Black Diamond, Grivel |
| Geek Lust | WI7 | Crampons, Ice Axes, Ice Screws | Petzl, Black Diamond, Grivel |
The table above shows the top 5 ice climbing routes on Blackcomb Mountain, British Columbia. It includes the name of the route, its difficulty rating, and the recommended gear, including Crampons, Ice Axes, and Ice Screws from top brands such as Petzl, Black Diamond, and Grivel.
Lake Superior Ice Caves in Wisconsin
The Lake Superior Ice Caves are located on the far western shore of Lake Superior. They’re formed by the constant freezing and thawing of lake water, which creates small caves that are usually inaccessible in the winter.
The best time to visit these ice caves is during an early spring thaw when they start opening up to visitors again.
Ouray Ice Festival in Ouray, Colorado
The Ouray Ice Festival is the largest ice climbing festival in the world, and it takes place annually in February. The festival attracts over 3,000 participants from all over the world who come together to enjoy a variety of events including competitions and clinics.
In addition to being an exciting place to be during this time of year, Ouray also has plenty of other things going on throughout the rest of it as well!
Looking for an adventure off the beaten path? Discover the most underrated ice climbing spots in the US and see some of the less-explored locations that offer unique challenges for climbers seeking daring new experiences.
Frankenjura crags, Germany
The Frankenjura crags are a popular destination for ice climbers, as well as rock climbers. The crags are located in Bavaria, Germany and they’re part of the Bavarian Alps. They’re known for their challenging routes that require technical skill and experience on steep terrain.
Ice climbing is one of the oldest forms of mountaineering but it’s still very much alive today!
World Games 2017 Annual ice climbing competition, Italy
The World Games is an international multi-sport event organized by the International World Games Association (IWGA).
The first World Games were held in 1981 in Santa Clara, California and was attended by 1,500 athletes from 30 nations. Since then it has been held every four years with the latest event being held in Wroclaw Poland from July 20th to 30th 2017. The next games will take place in 2020 at Tokyo Japan.
From awe-inspiring glaciers to frozen waterfalls, explore the most spectacular ice climbing spots in the USA and let yourself be amazed by some of the most visually stunning ice climbing locations in the United States.
Alaskan Ice Climbing Classic and Rockfest in Valdez, Alaska
The Alaskan Ice Climbing Classic and Rockfest is a weeklong celebration of the best of Alaska’s climbing scene. Held annually in early March, the event features two competitions: one for ice climbers and another for rock climbers.
The former sees competitors tackle frozen waterfalls, while the latter takes them up mountainsides covered in ice and snow. The festival also features workshops on how to climb safely on both types of terrain as well as other events like yoga classes, lectures on mountain safety and avalanche awareness (a must-have skill when it comes to ice climbing), live music performances from local bands at night–you name it!
The competition began after Japanese mountaineer Shigenori Masuhara founded the International Mountaineering Federation (IMF) in 1953; this was later renamed The International Climbing & Mountaineering Federation (ICMF).
Its goal was “to promote alpine activities world-wide” through organizing meetings between member nations’ delegates every four years or so at locations determined by rotation order among these countries’ respective National Federations (NFs). Today there are about 80 NFs representing over 150 member states worldwide…
Ruper Mountain in Marquette Michigan
Ruper Mountain is a popular ice climbing destination in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s the most popular crag in Michigan, with over 100 routes ranging from beginner to advanced.
The most famous route here is “The Icefall,” which was first climbed by Todd Skinner and Steve Porcella on January 13th, 1980 (their successful ascent was featured on ABC’s Wide World Of Sports).
The main wall at Ruper has an impressive permanent ice feature that rises up vertically for 70 feet before curving slightly outward toward its top–it looks like a huge wave crashing into shore! This wall offers some excellent technical climbing challenges as well as some easier options depending on what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for adventure, these are the best places in the country to find it. Whether you want to scale a sheer wall of ice or just get some fresh air with friends, there’s something here for everyone.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about ice climbing destinations and experiences:
Ice Climbing Utah – Discover the unique ice climbing opportunities available in Utah’s stunning landscapes.
Best Ice Climbing Destinations – Find out about some of the best and most popular ice climbing spots in the world.
Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing – Explore the ice climbing and rock climbing experiences available across Ontario, Canada.
FAQs
What is ice climbing?
Ice climbing is a sport in which climbers ascend ice formations such as frozen waterfalls, cliffs, or mountains using specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and ropes.
Is ice climbing dangerous?
Yes, ice climbing can be a dangerous activity, as climbers may be exposed to harsh conditions, extreme cold, and falls. It’s essential to have proper training, equipment, and experience before attempting to climb on ice.
What equipment do I need for ice climbing?
Ice climbers typically use specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axes, helmets, harnesses, ropes, and other protective gear to ensure their safety during the climb.
Can beginners try ice climbing?
Yes, beginners can try ice climbing with proper training, supervision, and equipment. Many ice climbing spots have gentle slopes, shorter climbs, and beginner-friendly terrain to help newcomers get started.
What are some popular ice climbing destinations?
Some popular ice climbing destinations include Ouray Ice Park in Colorado, the ice cascades in Banff National Park in Canada, and the Mont Blanc Massif in the French Alps.
Welcome to my blog! I’m Hellen James, and I’m incredibly passionate about rock climbing, bouldering, ice climbing, and mountaineering. Join me as I embark on thrilling adventures, conquer vertical challenges, and share my experiences and insights with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
