Ice climbing is one of the most challenging and exciting winter sports around. It requires specific gear and technique, but it’s not hard to do if you know what you’re doing.
If you’re interested in getting into ice climbing or taking your skills to the next level, this guide will help you find the best places to climb in the United States.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| There are a number of popular ice climbing destinations within the United States |
| The USA offers a wide range of climbing opportunities for both beginners and advanced climbers |
| With proper training, equipment, and guidance, ice climbing can be a safe and rewarding activity |
| There are a variety of websites and resources available for researching ice climbing adventures |
| Ice climbing requires specialized equipment such as crampons and ice axes, along with proper safety gear such as ropes and helmets |
Vail
Vail is in the Rocky Mountains and has a population of 5,619. The town’s history can be traced back to gold mining, as well as its location on the Eagle River.
Vail also has a rich heritage related to skiing, which started when two brothers built some rope tows in 1962 after they were inspired by their time spent skiing at a resort in Colorado’s Aspen Valley.
Today, Vail is home to the Vail Ski Resort the fifth largest ski resort in North America—and it hosts many events including World Cup races for both snowboarding (men) and freestyle skiing (women).
If you’re looking for the best ice climbing destinations in the USA, then check out our comprehensive guide on the top 15 locations. From Alaska to New Hampshire, these climbing spots are sure to satisfy both beginners and advanced climbers.
Ouray
Ouray is a great place to learn and practice ice climbing. The Ouray Ice Park, the largest ice park in the world, has over 100 routes that vary from easy to difficult. The most popular route is “The Big Drop” which features an 80 foot drop.
This drop gives you an adrenaline rush when you reach the bottom and make it back up safely! If you are looking for more of a challenge, try out “Incline Alley” which has four different pitches each with its own set of challenges.
Ouray Ice Park has many other routes as well such as: The Maze (a fun beginner route), North Face (for intermediate climbers), Hanging Garden (for advanced climbers), Snake Bite (a short but challenging climb) and more!
Top Ice Climbing Gear Brands for Climbing in Ouray
| Gear Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Black Diamond | Known for their climbing gear, with a focus on ice axes, crampons, and helmets |
| La Sportiva | Italian brand manufacturing mountaineering boots and other climbing footwear |
| Outdoor Research | Produces technical clothing and accessories such as insulated jackets, gloves, and headwear |
| Petzl | Offers a variety of high-quality climbing gear, including headlamps, ropes, and harnesses |
| Mammut | Swiss brand that offers a wide range of mountaineering and climbing equipment, including ropes, harnesses, and backpacks |
Rumney
“Rumney is a great place to learn how to ice climb,” says Brad White, who has been climbing in Rumney since the 1980s. “There are beginner routes, and you can get plenty of hours on them without having to worry about the harder stuff.”
Located in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, Rumney has some of the best ice climbing routes in all of North America.
The two best places for beginners are at Whitehorse Ledge and Delicate Arch. These locations provide fantastic views of the White Mountains.
“There’s not much better than seeing those mountains up close,” says climber Danielle Travao. “And when it’s sunny out, it’s just magical.
For the adrenaline junkies who are seeking a challenge, our insider guide to the most dangerous ice climbing routes in America will provide insight into some of the riskiest yet most thrilling climbing spots in the country.
Lake Willoughby
Located in Vermont, Lake Willoughby is a favorite ice climbing destination for locals and visitors alike.
Lake Willoughby is located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont—a remote area with rolling hills, farmland, and mountain peaks that offer a unique landscape for winter adventures.
The season for ice climbing at Lake Willoughby typically runs from January through March. During this time, climbers will find frozen waterfalls along with plenty of frozen lakeshores to explore and climb upon. This makes it one of the best places to enjoy winter sports such as ice skating or snowshoeing!
The Best Routes at Lake Willoughby for Ice Climbing
| Route Name | Difficulty | Gear | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last Gentleman | WI5 | Crampons, ice axes, screws | One of the most popular routes at Willoughby, featuring a variety of challenging vertical sections and rewarding views. |
| The Black Dagger | WI4+ | Crampons, ice axes, screws | A unique route featuring a narrow pillar of ice surrounded by rock walls. |
| The Promenade | WI4 | Crampons, ice axes, screws | A classic route with a steep and strenuous start, but a relatively mellow finish. |
| Screaming Barfies | WI3 | Crampons, ice axes | A great introductory route for beginners, featuring a mix of low-angle ice and small steps. |
| The Cleft | WI2 | Crampons, ice axes | Another great option for beginners, featuring a long and wide gully with varying degrees of challenge. |
Note: WI stands for the “Water Ice” grading system, which ranks ice climbing routes on a scale from WI2 (moderate) to WI7+ (near-vertical).
In this table, we’ve provided an overview of some of the best routes for ice climbing at Lake Willoughby, along with information on the difficulty level, recommended gear, and a brief description of each route.
Hyalite Canyon
Hyalite Canyon is a great place to learn how to ice climb. It has many different routes that range from beginner to advanced, and there are also some good places for camping and hiking nearby.
Don’t let inexperience stop you from exploring the world of ice climbing. Our helpful guide on the best ice climbing spots for beginners in the USA offers tips and suggested locations that will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for climbers of all skill levels.
Colorado’s Front Range
The Front Range is home to Colorado’s most populated area, and it also has the most ice climbing options. Whether you’re a first-timer or an expert climber, there are plenty of places to go ice climbing in this region.
In fact, this area has so many good spots that it’s easy to find partners for your next adventure. There are many different types of climbs available here from vertical ice walls to frozen waterfalls so you’ll never be bored!
Bozeman Ice Festival
If you’re looking for an adventure that will push the boundaries of your comfort zone, the Bozeman Ice Festival is a great place to start. Held annually in January, this fest features clinics taught by some of the best ice climbing instructors in the world.
The festival also hosts an annual competition where climbers compete against each other on a series of difficult routes around town.
If you’re new to the sport or just want to learn more about it, this festival is a great place for beginners and experts alike!
If you’ve been interested in ice climbing but are worried about getting started, this is a great opportunity for learning new skills from experienced professionals without having to find them yourself (or pay out-of-pocket).
If you’ve already participated in some competitions before but would like something different, then maybe this isn’t as exciting as it sounds but if not…if nothing else…then I suggest going anyway so that everyone knows what kind of person they’re dealing with when it comes time later downriver when those things happen.”
Plan your next ice climbing expedition with our ultimate guide to ice-climbing in the USA, which covers everything from gear and techniques to must-visit spots across the country.
Mt. Hood Territory
Mt. Hood Territory is a great place for ice climbing, with many different routes and locations to choose from.
The area is home to a wide variety of ice ranging from blue to black, which means you can find something challenging no matter your skill level.
There’s also plenty of other activities in the area if you’re looking for something else to do: hiking, paragliding, snowmobiling and skiing are all popular options.
Mt. Washington Valley
Mt. Washington Valley has many ice climbing areas. In fact, the White Mountains are home to the largest concentration of winter climbing in the world.
Mt. Washington is located in New Hampshire and stands at 6288 feet, making it the highest peak in New England and America’s most famous mountain.
This massive glacier-clad peak is also home to over 100 miles of hiking trails as well as some of the world’s best ski resorts including Bretton Woods Ski Resort, Cranmore Mountain Resort and Loon Mountain Ski Area.
As for ice climbing here? You can find almost any kind you want! There are long single pitch lines with fun chandeliers (twists or gaps) called “chandelirrails”; shorter multi-pitch routes with fixed protection that require placing your own screws; steep vertical walls with no protection; glacial terrain where you have to climb natural cracks and crevasses by using pickets (ice pitons).
For a list of some of the most remarkable ice-climbing locations in the USA, check out our article on 10 insane ice climbing spots in the USA. From the stunning scenery of Ouray Ice Park to the challenge of mixed climbing in Silverton, these spots will leave you in awe.
Utah Ice Parke
Location: The Utah Ice Park is located in Ogden, Utah. It’s about two hours north of Salt Lake City and an hour south of Idaho Falls.
Difficulty: Ice climbing can be challenging, but there are many different levels at this park. Beginners can start with the easy climbs on the lower level and work their way up to more advanced routes on higher levels as they get better at climbing.
How to get there: There are a variety of ways you could get here from wherever you live! You can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is about two hours away or rent a car or book a shuttle service that will pick you up at your hotel in SLC or nearby Ogden, which will take about an hour total travel time for most people depending on what route they take through traffic.
The park itself has shuttles that go back and forth from parking lots near where climbers enter/exit each day so if you don’t want to drive yourself it may be worth looking into one of those options too!
Chapel Pond, Adirondacks
Chapel Pond is a small pond in the Adirondacks, just southeast of Tupper Lake. It’s one of the most popular ice climbing destinations in the world, and a great place to learn if you’re new to climbing.
However, there are also routes here that will challenge experienced climbers as well. The pond itself is fairly sheltered from wind, so it tends to freeze more quickly than other areas around it.
Chapel Pond also has some beautiful views of Mount Marcy—the highest peak in New York state at 5,344 feet and offers routes for beginner through expert climbers alike!
Conclusion
We hope you learned a bit more about the cool things to do in America, and we’re excited to hear your thoughts on any of these ice climbing adventures! Feel free to leave us a comment below with your favorite spot or experience.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about ice climbing adventures around the world, check out these helpful resources:
Ice Climbing in Stowe, Vermont: A Guide to the Best Routes and Adventures – This guide explores the ice climbing opportunities in Stowe, Vermont, including popular routes and tips for beginners.
Ice Climbing in Ouray, Colorado: A Thrilling Adventure in a Spectacular Location – This article takes a closer look at the ice climbing scene in Ouray, Colorado, known as the “Switzerland of America.”
An Insider’s Guide to Ice Climbing and Glacier Hiking in Iceland – Iceland is home to some of the most spectacular glacier hiking and ice climbing spots in the world, and this guide provides helpful tips and advice for experiencing them.
FAQs
What is ice climbing?
Ice climbing is a sport that involves scaling frozen surfaces using specialized gear such as crampons and ice axes.
Where can I go ice climbing in the USA?
There are several popular destinations for ice climbing in the USA, including Ouray, Colorado; Hyalite Canyon, Montana; and Cody, Wyoming.
Is ice climbing dangerous?
Ice climbing can be a dangerous sport due to the potential for falling ice, avalanches, and other hazards. However, with proper training, equipment, and precautions, it can be a safe and rewarding activity.
What equipment do I need for ice climbing?
Some essential equipment for ice climbing includes crampons, ice axes, a harness, ropes, and helmets. Climbers may also use other gear such as ice screws and carabiners.
Can beginners try ice climbing?
Yes, beginners can try ice climbing with proper training and guidance from experienced climbers or instructors. It’s recommended to start with easier routes and progress to more challenging climbs as skills improve.
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.
