Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Tour in the Dolomites
The Val Culea icefall offers five beautiful pitches up to WI3 in a breathtaking alpine setting.
1 – 2 guests
1 day
beginner
November to February
from €290 per person
Overview
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.
Tour Requirements
beginner
intermediate
advanced
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.
Fitness
Technique
Experience
Tour Programme
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.
Meeting Point
Start: 07:00 - Grödner Joch
End: 15:00 - Grödner Joch
The stated meeting point, start time, and end time should be understood as an initial suggestion. Before the tour, we will coordinate individually and adapt everything to the current conditions — and, whenever possible, arrange to travel together.
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.
Available Dates & Booking
The tour runs with a minimum of 1 participants. A maximum of 2 people can join.
If none of the available dates suit you or all dates are already fully booked, simply send me an individual enquiry by email or WhatsApp.
Payment is made by invoice after the tour.
Price
€540 for one person
€290 per person for 2 people
What's included
Planning and guiding by a state-certified IFMGA mountain and ski guide
Any required rental equipment
What's 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
Price
€540 for one person
€290 per person for 2 people
What's included
Planning and guiding by a state-certified IFMGA mountain and ski guide
Any required rental equipment
What's 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
Not Sure If This Tour Is Right for You?
It is especially important to me that the tour suits you — both in terms of your fitness and your experience. So if you are unsure, feel free to get in touch.
In a short phone call, we can find out together whether this tour is the right choice for you. This creates the best foundation for a safe and successful mountain experience.
Booking & Cancellation
Please note that a tour becomes binding once it has been confirmed by both parties. In the event of a short-notice cancellation, I reserve the right to charge a percentage of the guiding fee as a cancellation fee. Detailed information can be found in my cancellation policy. As a rule, payment is made by invoice after the tour.
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