Brenta Dolomites - La via che non c'e'

Ice Climbing Day – Brenta Dolomites & Adamello

Ice Climbing Experience
Difficulty
4 / 10 Moderate
Duration
1 day
Availability
Dec 2025 – Mar 2026
Group size
max 2 pax
Guide : Clients
1 : 2
Meeting point
Exact meeting point confirmed 24 hours before (based on temperatures, ice conditions and road access).

This trip uses our 1–10 overall difficulty scale (technical + fitness + exposure + environment). How this scale works

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights

  • A full day climbing a frozen waterfall, chosen for the conditions of the moment.
  • The venue is decided close to the day, following temperatures, sun exposure and how the ice actually looks.
  • Practical coaching while climbing: footwork, tool placement and small adjustments that make a real difference.
  • Max two people: more time on the ice, calm belays and space to climb without rushing.

OVERVIEW

Overview

Ice climbing in the Dolomites is one of those things that looks wild from the outside, but feels surprisingly natural once you are on the ice.


This is a full day on frozen waterfalls in the Brenta Dolomites or the Adamello area. We pick the venue based on temperature, recent snowfall, sun exposure and the level of the group. Some days that means an easy, friendly single-pitch flow where you can focus on footwork and rhythm. Other days, if everyone is comfortable and conditions allow, we step it up to a longer line or a simple multi-pitch with a bit more of an alpine feel.


We keep it practical: how to move efficiently, how to place your feet without fighting the ice, how to belay cleanly, and how to stay warm enough to actually enjoy the day. There is always time for a proper briefing and a calm pace — this is not about rushing, it is about doing things well.


At the end of the day you leave with tired arms, better technique, and that quiet satisfaction that only a winter day outside can give.

ITINERARY

Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Meeting, approach, climbing day (single-pitch or multi-pitch)

    We meet in the morning, do a proper gear check (especially crampons fit + leash/belay setup), then drive to the selected valley.


    After the approach we start with a short briefing: how we communicate, belay setup, and what to expect on the ice.


    The day usually begins with easier pitches/runs to find rhythm and read the ice. From there we either: stay on single-pitch lines to build confidence and technique, or move onto a straightforward multi-pitch if conditions and the team feel right.


    We finish with a quick debrief (what improved, what to practise next) and head back to the valley.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements

  • Basic fitness for a winter day outside
    You don’t need to be a climber, but you should be comfortable moving for a few hours in cold conditions.
  • No fear of heights (and ok with exposure)
    Ice climbing is vertical — we take it step by step, but you need to be able to stay calm on the rope.
  • Willingness to learn and follow safety instructions
    We keep things relaxed, but we take belaying and transitions seriously. Clear communication is part of the day.
  • Proper winter clothing and gloves
    Warm layers, shell, and gloves that still let you handle rope and screws. Spare gloves strongly recommended.
  • Personal gear (or rental arranged)
    Crampons + ice tools can be rented if you don’t have them — just tell us your sizes in advance.

GEAR CHECKLIST

Gear checklist

Required Provided Optional Rentable

clothing

7
  • Gloves & hat
    Required
    Light gloves, warm gloves or mittens, wool hat / buff. — Bring a spare pair of gloves if possible.
  • Ice climbing clothing – layers
    Required
    Breathable base layers, fleece or light insulating jacket, mountaineering pants.
  • Insulated jacket
    Required
    Warm insulated jacket (down or synthetic) for stops, summits and emergency situations. — Warm insulated jacket for belays and cold conditions.
  • Warm socks
    Required
    Warm technical socks suitable for winter climbing. Consider bringing a spare pair.
  • Belay mitts / overmitts
    Optional
    Warm belay mitts or overmitts to stay warm while belaying and during long stops. — Recommended to stay warm at belays and during long stops.
  • Gaiters
    Optional
    Snow gaiters to keep feet and lower legs dry during approaches in deep snow. — Recommended depending on snow depth during the approach.
  • Spare gloves / mittens
    Optional
    Spare pair of gloves or mittens in case of wet or cold conditions. Strongly recommended for ice climbing and cold days. — Strongly recommended, especially for cold conditions or long belays.

glacier

3
  • 120 cm sling or daisy chain
    Required Rentable
    120 cm dyneema sling or daisy chain for glacier travel and rescue.
  • Harness
    Required Rentable
    Light harness for glacier travel or short roped sections.
  • Screwgate carabiners (x2)
    Required Rentable
    Two locking carabiners for glacier travel and safety systems.

personal

7
  • Backpack 25–35 L
    Required
    Ski touring backpack, 25–35 litres, with ski carry option. — 25–35 L is enough for a day.
  • Mobile phone
    Required
    Fully charged mobile phone for communication and emergency use.
  • Personal kit & snacks
    Required
    1L thermos or bottle, small personal first aid, snacks for the day.
  • Sun protection
    Required
    High SPF sunscreen and lip balm for protection against sun and wind at altitude.
  • Sunglasses & goggles
    Required
    Category 3–4 sunglasses and ski goggles for bad weather.
  • Headlamp / head torch
    Optional
    Head torch with fresh batteries, required for early starts, late finishes or hut stays. — Recommended in winter for early starts, late finishes or unexpected delays.
  • Power bank & cable
    Optional
    Power bank and charging cable to keep devices operational in cold conditions. — Recommended to keep devices operational in cold conditions.

safety

6
  • Helmet
    Required Rentable
    Ski / mountaineering helmet. — Personal helmet required (ski or mountaineering).
  • Emergency bivy
    Provided
    Lightweight emergency bivy or thermal blanket for unexpected stops or emergencies. — Guide carries an emergency bivy/thermal blanket.
  • Avalanche transceiver / beacon (ARTVA)
    Optional Rentable
    Modern 3-antenna transceiver/beacon with fresh batteries. — Only if the chosen venue/approach involves avalanche terrain (decided with the guide).
  • Probe
    Optional Rentable
    Avalanche probe (240–300 cm). — Only if the chosen venue/approach involves avalanche terrain (decided with the guide).
  • Shovel
    Optional Rentable
    Metal avalanche shovel (no plastic models). — Only if the chosen venue/approach involves avalanche terrain (decided with the guide).
  • Whistle
    Optional
    Emergency whistle, often integrated into backpacks or chest straps. — Recommended (often integrated into backpacks).

technical

9
  • Belay device
    Required Rentable
    Belay/rappel device suitable for single and multi-pitch belaying.
  • Boot crampons
    Required Rentable
    Crampons compatible with your boots (if conditions require).
  • Ice tools (pair)
    Required Rentable
    Two technical ice tools suitable for waterfall ice (leashes optional).
  • Mountaineering boots (ice compatible)
    Required Rentable
    Stiff boots compatible with crampons, suitable for standing on belays in cold temperatures.
  • Climbing rope(s)
    Provided
    Single or half ropes for ice climbing and multi-pitch routes. Provided by the guide.
  • Extra carabiners (non-locking)
    Provided
    Additional non-locking carabiners for ice climbing and multi-pitch routes. May be provided or checked by the guide. — Required for multi-pitch ice climbing; provided or checked by the guide.
  • Ice screws
    Provided
    Ice screws for anchors and short roping on technical sections. Provided by the guide when required. — Provided by the guide when required for the chosen line.
  • Personal tether (adjustable)
    Provided
    Adjustable personal tether for short-roping and transitions on mixed terrain (provided or checked by the guide). — Adjustable personal tether for belays and transitions (provided or checked by the guide).
  • Prusik cords (pair)
    Provided
    Prusik cords for abseil backup and basic self-rescue. Provided or checked by the guide.

PRICES

Prices

  • 1 pax
    €400 per person per day
  • 2 pax
    €230 per person per day

INCLUDED

What's included

Included

  • UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide for the full day.
  • Venue choice and plan for the day based on ice conditions, weather and group level.
  • Use of shared safety/technical gear when needed (rope, anchors, group safety setup).
  • Coaching on movement, belaying basics, and safe, efficient habits on ice.

Not included

  • Transport to/from the meeting point and any local transfers.
  • Personal clothing and personal food/drinks for the day.
  • Rental of personal equipment (boots, crampons, ice tools, helmet, harness) unless explicitly arranged.
  • Any insurance (travel, medical, rescue).

Optional

  • Equipment rental support: we can help organise rentals locally when possible.