Whether you’re stepping onto frozen terrain for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills on steep ice and mixed routes, our ice climbing courses are designed to help you climb confidently and safely. Led by certified guides from top organizations like Muskoka Mountainworks and Yamnuska, our programs support every level of climber.
Our beginner-friendly courses cover the fundamentals: how to use crampons and ice axes, move efficiently on ice, and manage essential safety systems. Ice climbing demands a different skill set than rock, but it’s just as awe-inspiring. We’ve seen complete beginners ascend frozen waterfalls, and return with a smile to a thermos of coffee. It’s a remarkable sport, and chances are, you’ll be hooked after your first climb.
Take your ice climbing to the next level with lead and multi-pitch ice climbing courses. Leading on ice is a major step forward. As Will Gadd has noted, you need at least “150 30M laps is the bare minimum to have any sort of understanding of ice.” There’s no need to rush. When you’re ready, the guides will help you transition into leading by focusing on safe screw placement, efficient body positioning, and strategies for staying composed when pumped.
At the more advanced end, we offer multi-pitch ice climbing courses—designed for climbers ready to tackle longer, more complex routes with confidence and competence.
Book a private ice climbing session tailored to your goals, whether it’s climbing a specific route, developing particular skills, or just enjoying a memorable day out with friends or family. Our guides will match your pace and ambition, offering expert coaching along the way.
Ice climbing needs ice! Check back closer to the winter for a full list of ice climbing courses. In the meantime, if you want to get on some snow, check out our mountaineering courses!
Currently, we offer rock climbing lessons in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, and we’re constantly expanding our offerings. If you are interested in taking a course in another location, please contact us and we can organize a lesson for you.Â
Yes! Many of the courses are partially filled and are looking for more climbers! Please reach out to us if you have any questions.
Booking your courses is easy! Simply sign up and create an account to book your climbing course online in minutes. Your profile will provide convenient access to your course history and exclusive new features we’re adding to help track your climbing journey.
For every course, your guide will provide a clear list of equipment they’ll supply and items you’re responsible for bringing. Typically, technical gear such as crampons, helmets, ice axes, and mountaineering boots are provided by your guide. You will need to bring non-technical items and personal provisions, including water, snacks, food, and warm clothing.
For the beginner classes, none! For the more advanced classes, the prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions.Â
At Climb Onsight, we abide by the guide’s cancellation policy or an agreement between you and the guide. Often, you and the guide can reschedule the class to another day.
As a backdrop, the following cancellation policy in our terms and conditions applies:Â
(a) Fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the course: Customer is entitled to a full refund of the course.
(b) Seven (7) to thirteen (13) calendar days prior to the course: Customer is entitled to a credit equal to the cost of the course or a refund of fifty percent (50%) of the course cost.
(c) Six (6) calendar days or fewer prior to the course: Customer is not entitled to a refund.
The guide has the sole discretion to cancel the course because of the weather. If the guide cancels the course before it begins, you and the guide will work together to arrange an alternate date for the guided trip, a credit for the guide’s services, or an appropriate refund. We won’t offer refunds if the course is canceled once it begins, unless you and the guide agree otherwise.
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