Classic Wasatch Ice Climbs
Utah’s Wasatch Range is home to some of the West’s most accessible and sought-after ice climbs — from long, multi-pitch classics like Stairway to Heaven to short but technical mixed routes and frozen flows tucked in Little Cottonwood Canyon. With reliable conditions from December through February and roadside access in the iconic Provo Canyon, the region offers a diverse ice playground for climbers of all levels. UMA’s friendly, professional ice climbing guides are available seven days a week to lead you on unforgettable outings tailored to your skill and objectives.
Discover how extraordinary the world of ice is this winter! Climb on Utah’s beautiful frozen waterfalls with friendly, professional UMA guides any day of the week, depending on availability. The ice season is short, and the prime time for ice climbing in Utah typically runs from December through February. We encourage you to book your private trip as soon as possible to secure a guide.
Ice climbing in Utah takes place primarily in Provo Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon. Provo Canyon, with its rich variety of climbs, serves as our state’s ice mecca. Situated just an hour south of Salt Lake City, Provo Canyon is home to over 40 pitches of exceptional ice climbing and its ice is known for its strong but soft properties. Such characteristics make Utah ice a great introduction to the sport of ice climbing or a prime spot to apply advanced skills and training.
The options listed here are some, but not all, possible climbs.
The Great White Icicle
The Great White Icicle is a classic, bucket-list multi-pitch climb in Salt Lake City — ice climbers from all over the US travel here to experience it. The climb’s unbeatable access near the road in lower Little Cottonwood Canyon makes for an easy approach. Tucked between sheer granite walls that jut dramatically straight up out of the ground, the Great White Icicle coerces the adventurer inside everyone to try it!
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls has a rich variety of ice climbs and is one of the easiest places to fall in love with the world of ice. Its convenient location and vast amount of routes make it great for climbers of any skill to spend time exploring and developing their ice climbing techniques.
Miller’s Thriller
Miller’s Thriller, as its name states, is a thrill to climb! Its low-angle start allows climbers to warm up and enjoy the ride, but Miller’s won’t let you off the hook that easy! The crux awaits in the last pitch, making for a fun, challenging route to top out. Miller’s Thriller often forms even beyond the third pitch and can be extended into an even longer climb for a fun, full day or a test of your endurance.
Finger of Fate
The Finger of Fate is for experienced ice climbers and possibly the strong beginners who are really starting to get their head in the game. This continuous, steep, vertical pillar begs to be climbed in a clean, fun fashion. A favorite among the guides, you will be challenged just enough to stay humble and rewarded even more, keeping you coming back for more climbs like it!
Stairway to Heaven
Provo Canyon’s Stairway to Heaven is a magnificent 10+ multi-pitch cliff that consists of ice, rock, trad and bolted routes. Stairway to Heaven has made its claim to fame with many 3 to 4, “great to classic” star ratings. Its first pitch, known as the “Apron” forms at the base of the climb and is ideal for single-pitch top roping and learning the art of ice climbing. The Stairway flatters not only beginner ice climbers, but also experienced, well-versed ice climbers with its spicy M9, 7 pitches up. Each pitch of the Stairway to Heaven is a classic on its own and a real joy to climb.
Have Questions or Concerns?
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at uma@utahmountainadventures.com
Prerequisites
- Previous ice climbing experience may be required, depending on the objective.
Skill Level & Fitness
- UMA can tailor custom guiding to your specific levels, goals and time frame.
Private ice climbing trips take place primarily in Provo Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon (expect to be in the field for 6-8 hrs). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters). UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.
SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION
Meeting times and locations should be discussed with your guide and will depend on your objectives, preferences and where you are staying. The usual meeting time and place are 7-8 am at the Little Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot or the Nunn’s Park exit parking lot on the south side of the road in Provo Canyon.
GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you to discuss your skills and goals, weather considerations, equipment needs and to determine a meeting time and location.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Transportation will not be provided.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at uma@utahmountainadventures.com
Ice Climbing Equipment List
- Non-cotton top and bottom base layers
- Puffy overcoat and/or insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down, preferably with a hood)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants
- Waterproof snow gloves and mittens or spare gloves
- Warm hat, balaclava or such for under your helmet
- Sunglasses and/or clear, protective eyeglasses (optional)
- 1-2 liters of water (thermos of tea or coffee optional)
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Backpack (25-45 liters)
- Warm, crampon-compatible mountain boots with a rigid sole
- Gaiters to protect pants from crampon punctures (optional)
- Vertical, water-ice crampons (12-point recommended)
- 2 water-ice tools
- Harness
- Belay/rappel device and locking carabiner
- Helmet
Please see our Ice Climbing Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.
Recommended Guidebooks
Ice Climbing Utah by David S. Black
Beehive Ice by Nikki Smith and Andrew Burr
Private guiding is customized to your personal needs and requests.
Great White Icicle, Bridalveil, Miller’s Thriller, Finger of Fate
| 1 person | $595 / person |
Stairway to Heaven, Post Nasal Drip, The Fang
| 1 person | $645 / person |
- State and local taxes will be added.
- Gratuity not included.
Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below.
CAN DIFFERENT ABILITY LEVELS CLIMB WITH ONE GUIDE?
This is very feasible, especially for top-roping in Provo Canyon. Steep bulges, thin ice and mixed lines often present themselves right next to confidence-building WI 3 routes.
Will I be able to practice leading?
Yes, but a backup top rope is always included for safety.
Do I need my own climbing rack?
Your guide will have all the necessary gear. If you own ice screws or other equipment for lead climbing, a personal anchor system or other ice climbing gear, we encourage you to bring it so you can learn how to use your own equipment.
Where do I meet my guide?
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide(s). They will contact you to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs. Most likely, you will be meeting at the Nunn’s Park exit parking lot on the south side of the road.
