ICE CLIMBING COURSE

Experience the magic of climbing on ice!

Ice Climbing Course

Our 5-day guided ice climbing course in Wye Creek, Remarkables, New Zealand, offers an immersive experience in one of the country’s best winter ice-climbing areas. This course is designed for beginners and intermediate climbers looking to develop their technical skills in ice climbing in a stunning location.

Each day focuses on progressive learning, starting with fundamental techniques such as crampon use, ice axe placements, and efficient movement on ice. Depeding on your progression, participants then advance to more technical skills, including anchor building, belaying and lead climbing. By the final days, if climbers have gained the skills and confidence could tackle multi-pitch routes and steeper ice walls under expert guidance.

Beyond skills, this course fosters decision-making in winter alpine conditions, covering route selection, risk assessment, and avalanche awareness. Wye Creek’s challenging icefalls and varied terrain provide the perfect training ground, offering a mix of single-pitch climbs and longer alpine routes.

This ice climbing course is tent based, so participants also experience and learn winter camping skills.

Guided by experienced certified mountain guides, climbers gain valuable hands-on experience in a controlled yet adventurous setting. Whether aiming for personal progression or preparing for bigger alpine objectives, this ice climbing course builds confidence, efficiency, and safety awareness in an inspiring environment. Plus, the Remarkables’ breathtaking scenery makes every climb an unforgettable experience!

LOCATION

This ice climbing course takes place in the valley of Wye Creek, in the Remarkables conservation area, just South of Queentown.

CLIMBING DIFFICULTY

The ice climbing course is for beginners and intermediate climbers, with ot without previous experience.

Trip Info

LOCATION

Wye Creek – The Remarkables

Queenstown – New Zealand

DATES

21st – 25th July 2025

4th – 8th August 2025

DURATION

5 day trip

CLIMBING DIFFICULTY

Beginner to Intermediate

GUIDE TO CLIENT RATIO  / GROUP SIZE

1 Guide for 4 people max

Minimum of 2 people 

PRICE

From NZ$2,950/pers

Itinerary

The itinerary might vary, depending on the weather and snow and ice conditions at the time of the trip. Here is a quick snip at what it would be:

Day 0. Meet in Wanaka, gear check

Day 1. Travel to Frankton where we take the helicopter or a short flight to our course destination, Wye Creek. After setting up our camp, we’ll go climbing in the afternon and learn the basics of ice-climbing.

Day 2, 3 & 4: Each day will be focused on learning the skills of ice-climbing and climbing until our arms aren’t able to handle it anymore!

Day 5. A quick ice-climbing session in the morning and we’ll pack our camp to be ready for a mid afternoon heli flight back to Frankton. We’ll drive back to Wanaka shortly after.

Dates & Pricing

PRICE - ICE CLIMBING COURSE
Price per person up to 3 people NZ$3,450/pers.
Price per person with 4 people NZ$2,950/pers.
DATES

21st – 25th July 2025

4th – 8th August 2025

TRIP INCLUSION
  • IFMGA/NZMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
  • Ground transport from Wanaka
  • Helicopter Flights in and out of Wye Creek.
  • Technical ice-climbing gear
  • All mountain meals + snacks
  • Tents
  • GST
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
  • Personal equipment
  • Appropriate winter climbing clothes
  • Personal Insurance
  • Cancellation Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

What If the weather is bad for my trip ?

The Southern Alps in New Zealand is a worldwide desired climbing and skiing destination due to its remoteness and wilderness beauty. Windows of nice settled weather between fronts are oftern in place. But as for all mountain ranges in the world, the Southern Alps also has challenging weather. After all, it’s a long, high mountain range located on a tiny island surounded by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Pacific Ocean…

Summit Explorers Mountain Guides are well experienced in judging the weather and conditions to provide you the best possible trip. They will go above and beyond to make the trip happen. But sometimes, it’s out of our control, so  if the weather remains terrible and prevents the trip from happenning as originally planned, you will be offered a different location and/or climb. There will be no refund for bad weather and conditions. However, depending of the agreement and avaibility of the guide, an arrangment could be discussed to postpone the trip at a different date. 

Should I get a trip insurance

We strongly advice that all clients purchase travel and cancellation insurance that specifically covers cancellation due to injury or illness as well as weather cancellation. This is highly recommended for all trips with Summit Explorers due to the nature of the trips we provide. We have a relationship with the provider Global Rescue which has  an option which includes a “Cancel for any Reason” policy. Rescue and Extraction is covered by ACC in New Zealand, however ACC does not cover for any trip cancellation. Insurance policy costs will vary based on age, duration of trip and coverage selected. . You can learn more and get a free quote here: Global Rescue by Summit Explorers

Summit explorers Terms and Conditions

Please visit our Booking terms and conditions page

Why Choose Summit Explorers

YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL GUIDING EXPERIENCE

Our Company and our incredible team of mountain guides are passionate, talented climbers and skiers who have a extremely valuable guiding experience in the New Zeland mountains and Internationally.

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SAFETY FOCUSED

Our number one priority is insuring that every body that join us on a trip, will enjoy a safe one! Certified Mountain Guides are trained to perform at the highest international standards of skills and safety.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

Adaptative to your needs and dreams, always on the search to make your mountain journey a memorable one, that’s what we do and how we guide.

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Ice Climbing Course - Remarkables - Wye Creek - Queenstown - New Zealand