Have you had the opportunity to put your first crampons into the ice and been bitten? During this clinic, participants will be introduced to the specific gestures of ice climbing, and learn how to read ice in order to detect the pitfalls of this ephemeral material. Afterwards, you’ll be able to practice in complete safety.

Climbing on rock or artificial structures

Ability to belay in top-roping

Good physical condition

Equipment required

Crampons compatible with mountaineering boots, technical crampons for ice climbing, climbing harness, climbing helmet, 2 ice axes (can be borrowed from our partner), 2 screw-in carabiners, a Reverso-type belay system or similar, a dynamic lanyard, a charged headlamp and a rucksack of around 30 litres.

Please note that the temperature can be very cold and variable. You should therefore pack adjustable layers of clothing, ranging from functional T-shirts to mid-layers of fleece or wool, a down jacket, a GORE-TEX jacket, softshell trousers, GORE-TEX trousers, a hat, a pair of thin, warm gloves, and consider bringing a spare pair.
Sun protection (sunglasses, high factor sun cream, lip balm), enough food for the duration of the clinic, and water (at least 2 litres) for a full day in the mountains. It’s also nice to have a hot drink in a YETI thermos.

Don’t forget your phone or camera to immortalise your experience.

If you need equipment for the clinics, please mention it when we contact you the week before your clinic.

*** Technical ice axes, mountaineering boots and ice climbing crampons are available at our partners‘ stands in the exhibitors’ village. ***

^$75 per person

Jérôme St-Michel is a passionate and experienced climber, practicing various forms of climbing, such as crack climbing, sport climbing, ice climbing, mixed climbing and bouldering. He took part in the 2020 and 2023 editions of Festiglace, demonstrating his skills in ice climbing and mixed climbing. He is preparing for his next projects by training in the gym and practicing roped solos on lesser-known crags.