Ice Climbing 1
Step into the world of ice climbing with this hands-on introduction to climbing frozen terrain. In this course, you’ll learn how to use crampons and ice climbing gear effectively, develop efficient movement techniques like front-pointing and flat-footing, and gain the skills to “read” ice, minimize risk and climb with confidence. Held on Provo Canyon’s stunning frozen waterfalls, this course lays the groundwork for safe and enjoyable ice climbing. No prior climbing experience is needed.
Course Dates
- Dec 12, 2026 (Saturday)
- Dec 26, 2026 (Saturday)
- Jan 9, 2027 (Saturday)
- Jan 30, 2027 (Saturday)
- Feb 15, 2027 (Monday)
- Feb 27, 2027 (Saturday)
Ice Climbing 1 is a good introduction to or review of ice climbing basics. Our guides will set up multiple top ropes to teach participants the skills to climb frozen waterfalls, including how to swing tools, front point, conserve energy and be lowered safely. Tying in to the rope, belaying other participants on top rope, belaying a guide on lead and building ice anchors will be taught, as well.
This course can be taken multiple times to gain the confidence to climb steeper climbs and learn how to lead on the best ice in Utah.
Ice Climbing 1 Course Outcomes
- Front-pointing, flat-footing
- Effective tool swinging
- Various ice tool placements
- Efficient movement
- Maximization of resting opportunities
- How to “read” ice and ways to minimize risk
- Ice anchors (if time allows)
Next steps and other options
After mastering the skills in Ice Climbing 1, progress to Ice Climbing 2 to learn how to climb on steeper, more challenging ice. Ice Climbing Camp is a good alternative course for learning the skills of Ice 1 and Ice 2 in one weekend.
Course dates don’t fit your schedule?
Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.
Course Prerequisites
- No ice climbing experience necessary.
- You must be able to hike on variable, uneven and steep terrain for 1-2 miles.
This is a full-day course; expect to be at the crag for up to 8 hours. 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.
MEETING TIME & LOCATION
Guides typically meet guests in Provo Canyon at the Nunn’s Park exit parking lot on the south side of the road at 7:30 am. Situated near excellent ice climbing venues, we typically take advantage of the lower curtains of the world-class Stairway to Heaven formation in Provo Canyon, which is easily accessible by a 20-minute hike.
GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at uma@utahmountainadventures.com
UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 2 participants register.
Ice Climbing 1 COURSE 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.
Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below.
DO I NEED ROCK CLIMBING EXPERIENCE?
No rock climbing experience is necessary for Ice Climbing 1. UMA guides will teach or review tying-in and belaying. Any background in rock or alpine climbing may accelerate the learning curve.
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.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY OF ICE CLIMBING LIKE?
In Provo Canyon, the approach to the ice formations on the first tier of Stairway to Heaven is on a climber’s trail that gains 300-500 feet and takes about 20-30 minutes to hike. The UMA guide will take a belay and demonstrate techniques as they lead a pitch and set up one or more top-rope anchor(s). Each participant will have the opportunity to climb a few pitches to learn how to swing tools and kick to make a good foot placement. Demonstrations of ice anchors with ice screws and Abalakov thread (or V-thread) may occur depending on time and interest.
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.
