Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites: Ice climber with a safety rope on an icefall.

Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites

The Val Culea icefall offers five beautiful pitches up to WI3 in a breathtaking alpine setting.

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Overview

Difficulty
beginner
Participants
1–2 participants
Duration
1 day
Best season
November to February
Price
from €290 per person
Location
Grödner Joch, Dolomiten

About this tour

The water of “Lech dl Dragon”, also known as Dragon Lake, near the Gardena Pass, freezes into an impressive icefall from mid-November onwards. Since the climbing is not too steep and is repeatedly interrupted by small ledges and snowy sections, the icefall is also suitable for beginners in ice climbing. It is an ideal first ice climbing tour in the Dolomites. The approach takes around 1.5 hours through the Val Culea, followed by an alpine descent via the normal route to the Pisciadù Hut. If the descent via the via ferrata or through the Val Culea gully is not possible due to avalanche danger, the route can be comfortably abseiled. Thanks to its high altitude, the tour is often climbable from mid-November, depending on conditions.

Photos from the tour

Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites: Ice climber with a safety rope on an icefall.
Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites: Ice tools in front of a stepped ice wall.
Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites: Roped climbing route over icy rock steps.
Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites: Ice tools in front of a steep ice slope and blue sky.
Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites: Roped climbing route over icy rock steps.

Itinerary

We either drive together to the Gardena Pass or meet directly there. From the pass, the approach to the start of the route begins, with around 450 metres of elevation gain. Depending on the snow conditions, this takes about one to one and a half hours.

During the tour, I take care of the lead climbing, allowing you to enjoy every move securely as a second climber. Since the route follows a very direct line, I can belay and support you in the best possible way. After five to six pitches, we exit the route and enjoy a wonderful panorama of the surrounding winter Dolomite peaks, such as the Ciër peaks opposite us or the Langkofel.

If avalanche conditions are safe or there is little snow, the descent is via a steep snow gully or the normal route to the Pisciadù Hut, which includes a protected section. Alternatively, it is also possible to abseil down the route using ice threads.

Requirements

This tour is the ideal first multi-pitch ice climbing experience.

Experience from a beginner course, high alpine tours, or an ice park is an advantage. You should also have sufficient fitness for the approach and descent. In total, the tour takes around six hours.

beginner
intermediate
advanced

Fitness

Technique

Experience

Equipment

I can provide the complete equipment for this tour.

For this tour, I can provide ice tools and crampons for you. I will also bring all other safety equipment. Good, warm mountaineering boots and suitable gloves are the most important items for your first longer ice climbing tour. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or take a look at my equipment list.

Open equipment list (PDF)

Booking and enquiry

Would you like to do this tour on your own or with your own group of up to 2 people? Send me a no-obligation request with your preferred date.

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Prices & services

  • 1 participant
    €540.00 per person
  • 2 participants
    €290.00 per person

Included

Planning and guiding by a state-certified IFMGA mountain and ski guide
Any required rental equipment

Not included

Individual overnight stays for you and your mountain guide
Any additional costs for cable cars and lift passes for you and your mountain guide
Any expenses incurred by the mountain guide

Frequently asked questions about this tour

What happens if I need to cancel my tour?

Please note that a tour becomes binding once both parties have confirmed it. In the event of a cancellation at short notice, I reserve the right to charge a percentage of the guiding fee as a cancellation fee. You can find detailed information in my cancellation policy. Payment is usually made by invoice after the tour.

What happens if the weather does not cooperate?

Together, we will find an alternative in another region or postpone the tour. There are no additional costs for you in this case.

Is rental equipment available?

Yes, I can provide the technical equipment you need, such as a climbing harness, helmet, crampons or avalanche safety equipment. The relevant tour description and equipment lists explain exactly what is required and what you may need to bring yourself. If you are unsure what you need, simply get in touch – I will be happy to advise you.

Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites: Ice tools in front of a stepped ice wall.

Your first pitches on ice?

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Unsure?

It is especially important to me that the tour suits you – both your fitness and your experience. If you are unsure, please get in touch! In a short phone call, we can work out together whether this tour is right for you. This gives us the best foundation for a safe and enjoyable mountain experience.

0043 (0) 66475109630

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Mountaineers with headlamps ascending through a snowy mountain landscape.

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