Fundamentals of technique and safety on ice
Our Ice Climbing Course gives you a safe and inspiring introduction to the sport. You'll learn movement techniques, gear handling, and safety — all with hands-on practice under the supervision of experienced instructors.
The course suits both total beginners and climbers who want to develop their skills further, including leading and building anchors.
The focus is on learning by doing — short theory sessions followed by lots of climbing and practice on the ice. Small group sizes allow for individual feedback and rapid progress.
After the course, you'll know how to build belays, place screws, and climb both on top rope and as a lead climber — all in the safe, world-class conditions of Rjukan, Norway.
Prerequisites
No previous ice climbing experience is required — this course is designed for beginners and those looking to build their skills on ice. We adjust the level and routes to match each participant's ability. It helps if you are comfortable with heights, and all participants should be in good health and able to move confidently on snowy or uneven terrain.
Practical Information
Planning your trip to Rjukan? We've created a comprehensive guide with practical information about accommodation options, transport, what to bring, and what to expect from your ice climbing course.
This article covers everything you need to know to prepare for your adventure in Rjukan.
Available Dates
- February 27, 2026 – March 01, 2026
- March 20, 2026 – March 22, 2026
- March 27, 2026 – March 29, 2026
Need different dates?
This trip can be booked as a private departure for groups of 2-8 people on dates that suit you. Contact us to arrange timing that works for you.
Course Schedule
- Meet at our office in Rjukan
- Fitting of boots, crampons, ice tools, helmet, and harness
- Course overview and introduction
- Questions and preparation for the climbing days
- Basic ice climbing techniques and movement
- Proper use of equipment (ice tools, crampons)
- Safety procedures and communication
- Introduction to climbing on ice
- Plenty of practice on beginner-friendly routes
- Advanced ice climbing techniques
- Climbing vertical ice
- Placing ice screws correctly
- Efficient movement on steeper terrain
- Building confidence on more challenging routes
- Building anchors and belay stations
- Multi-pitch climbing techniques
- Rappelling (abseiling) on ice
- V-thread anchors for descending
- Putting it all together on longer routes