An Introduction To Ice Climbing
We all know that it can be a challenge to stay active in the winter months (hello, extreme cold warnings!). Thankfully, our beautiful city has a wealth of opportunities to get you outside, moving, and, more importantly, to have some fun! You can go ice skating at City Hall, take a leisurely stroll in the river valley, or go tobogganing down just about any hill you can find. For those who love rock climbing in the summer and are looking for a challenge that keeps them outdoors, there’s another option in town:
Ice Climbing!
Now, ice climbing seems like a logical next step for rock climbers looking for a bit of a challenge or change of scenery. At its core, the concept is the same: scale a steep surface to reach the top. So what sets these two climbing styles apart? Most notably, some special equipment is required for ice climbing, such as ice tools, crampons, dry treated rope, and proper winter gear to keep you warm. On the technical side, it’s more difficult to navigate a slippery surface than dry rock. Temperature plays a role in the texture of the ice, causing it to grow and shrink, so scaling the same area may be very different from one climb to the next. All of these factors are what make the sport an exhilarating and exciting challenge for even the most experienced rock climbers.
Excited? Get Ready To Go!
Lucky for us Edmontonians, we have our very own urban ice wall!
Previously operated by the Alpine Club of Canada, Edmonton Section in 2023, the wall is currently located in Louise McKinney Park. As of 2025, Climb YEG offers public ice climbing starting in March 2025 and training programs yet to be announced.
The ACC Edmonton Section is a great club for ice climbers and rock climbers who are interested in group trips to the mountains and local events as well. You can become a member on their website!
Ready For A Special Event?
YEG Ice Fest is back again in 2025- this year in combination with the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup. Whether you’re a veteran ice climber or your experience is limited to scaling ice-encrusted windrows to get to your parked car, this is a great opportunity to get some climb time right in the heart of the city.
If climbing isn’t your cup of tea, there will be plenty of other fun things to do at the festival. This year will also feature ski touring, fat biking, various booths from local vendors (including us!) and more mini games for the kids!
The festival is FREE to attend although VIP tickets are available to anyone who’s excited to watch the World Cup from under a cozy blanket!
Don’t forget to check out our booth at YEG Ice Fest on March 1, 2025! Chat with some of our climbers on staff and grab some Corona Physio swag while you’re there!
Written by: Maret, Admin
Article updated Feb 20, 2025