You have been ice climbing for several seasons and want to move up to the next grade? Push your limits? Progress toward leading on ice?

This ice climbing clinic is designed for climbers who want to refine their technique, build confidence, and climb more safely on ice. It combines hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and personalized feedback in the field.

Objectives

Optimize ice tool and crampon placements
Manage effort and fatigue on steep or sustained pitches
Advanced progression techniques (anchors, ice reading, rhythm)
Safety and decision-making in winter terrain

Clinic Content

Reading ice structure: identifying solid zones, choosing lines, and anticipating movements
Decision-making: precise tool placements, efficient anchors, minimal pulling
Footwork: crampon placements, front-pointing, weight transfer, and stability
Body positioning: alignment, center-of-gravity management, and optimal use of the legs

Ice climbing experience at WI3 or WI4 level
Ability to belay on top-rope
Good physical condition

Schedule

8:00 a.m.: Meet at parking lot P1 (Festiglace reception area) – you will be greeted by the volunteer assigned to your clinic, who will guide the group down into the canyon to pick up your equipment from our partners.

8:30 a.m.: Meet your guide at the reception area in the exhibitors’ village (down in the canyon).

Please be on time so that the group can pick up the equipment and get the most out of the clinic.

Equipment

Required (personal or borrowed)

Harness, helmet
Ice tool(s) and crampons
ATC and/or Grigri
Climbing lanyard, 1 to 2 carabiners
Warm and waterproof clothing (Gore-Tex)
Several pairs of gloves
Thermos, snacks or lunch
Insulated jacket, base layers, hot pad

Gear loan – Exhibitor Village (from 7:30 a.m.)

Mammut: boots, helmets, harnesses
Petzl: ice tools, crampons, helmets, harnesses
CAMP: ice tools, crampons
La Sportiva: boots
Black Diamond: crampons, helmets, harnesses

$155 per person

Anna Pfaff is an internationally renowned alpinist and expedition climber, as well as a trauma nurse. Passionate about remote regions and first ascents, she has led numerous expeditions in the world’s great mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Andes, and Antarctica.

In 2017, she led an all-women expedition to Zanskar, India, opening several new routes, including the first ascent of Peak 5400.

Originally from Ohio, she discovered climbing while studying nursing in Colorado, then quickly progressed on iconic sites such as Yosemite and El Capitan. She finances her expeditions through her work as a nurse, which she continues to practice in California. Known for her rigor and discipline, Anna Pfaff thrives both in the commitment of alpinism and the intensity of her medical profession.