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

  • A real day on a frozen waterfall, not a “try-it-once” setup tucked away in a corner.
  • Venue chosen at the last moment to follow temperatures, sun exposure and ice that actually looks good to climb.
  • Practical coaching while climbing: footwork, swing placement and small habits that make ice feel easier.
  • Time on the ice matters: max 2 people, calm belays and no rush between attempts.

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

  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

  • 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

clothing

  • Clothing – layers
    Required
    Breathable base layers, fleece or light insulating jacket, ski touring pants.
  • Gloves & hat
    Required
    Light gloves, warm gloves or mittens, wool hat / buff.
    Bring a spare pair of gloves if possible.
  • Shell jacket & pants
    Required
    Waterproof / windproof jacket and overpants (Gore-Tex or similar).

glacier

  • 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

  • Backpack 25–35 L
    Required
    Ski touring backpack, 25–35 litres, with ski carry option.
    25–35 L is enough for a day.
  • Personal kit & snacks
    Required
    1L thermos or bottle, small personal first aid, snacks for the day.
  • Sunglasses & goggles
    Required
    Category 3–4 sunglasses and ski goggles for bad weather.

safety

  • Helmet
    Required Rentable
    Ski / mountaineering helmet.
    Personal helmet required (ski or mountaineering).

technical

  • 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.
  • 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.
Required • Provided • Optional • Rentable

Prices

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

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.