Private 2-day ice climbing course in Varaita Valley

Experience the wilder side of the mountains and discover one of the most fascinating winter disciplines with a 2-day ice climbing course in Valle Varaita, one of the valleys of Monviso, in the province of Cuneo.

With an Alpine Guide at your complete disposal, you'll learn the best ice climbing techniques and climb the imposing icefalls , which in the coldest months turn into real walls to climb!

Get ready for 2 intense days of sport, nature and fun, with accommodation in a mountain hut and dinner included!

What we will do

The meeting with the Alpine Guide will take place at 9 a.m. on the first day in Pontechianale (CN), a small mountain municipality in the Varaita Valley, bordering France. First an introductory briefing will be given on the activities planned for the 2-day course. The guide will also give a presentation of the technical materials provided and a lesson in avalanche self-rescue.

After that, you will reach the nearest icefalls to begin the lesson in ice progression from downed to vertical terrain. The techniques learnt will be practised with ascents on single lines. At the end of the session, at 16:00, we will move to the hut, where we will hold a debriefing and then continue the evening in relaxation(dinner and overnight stay are included in the participation fee).

On the second day, after breakfast at the refuge, we will move by shuttle bus to the centre of Chianale and from there, in about 15 minutes on foot, we will reach theMartinet ice amphitheatre. During the day, we will continue to deepen and practise the technique of progression on ice on vertical terrain, making several ascents and abseiling until the end of the session, at around 16:00, which will be followed by the return to Pontechianale and farewell.

The course lasts 2 days, includes daily ice climbing sessions of around 6 hours, and focuses on specific ice climbing techniques, such as Piolect Traction andAbalakov.

Who it is aimed at

This activity is at an intermediate/advanced level and is aimed at all mountain enthusiasts or those who regularly practice rock climbing. No previous experience in ice climbing is required, but a minimum of training and good physical fitness are required. Participation is possible from the age of 16.

Other information

This activity is bookable from December to March, subject to weather conditions and the guide's availability, and is intended for private groups of 2 to 6 participants.

All technical equipment for ice climbing is provided by the guide and is included in the participation fee, as is overnight accommodation in a double room with half board (including dinner and breakfast).

After booking, you can inform the guide of the level of the group so that the course can be organised according to the most suitable programme and routes.

Recommended clothing

• down jacket
• fleece or long-sleeved wind stopper
• Gore-Tex or rain jacket
• waterproof long trousers and/or rainproof trouser covers
• hiking boots
• double pair of thermal gloves
• hat or band

Don't forget to bring

• 30 litre rucksack
• energy snacks
• packed lunch for 2 days
• water bottle and hot thermos
• sunglasses
• sun cream
• spare socks