Want to try ice climbing? Gear up and get ready to kick some ice on a guided tour.

Strap on some crampons and  swing some axes on our local ice features! Glacier Adventure Guides is the premier ice climbing guide service in the Flathead. Whether you’re a new or experienced ice climber, we will find you a line you’re sure to love. Our guides have been ice climbing for more than 15 years and will ensure you have a fun, safe time on the ice.

Had an awesome time ice climbing. It was a completely new experience for us, but was even more fun than we expected. Our guide tailored the climbing to our experience level, was very informative and fun to be around. Would definitely do this again! Thanks for a great day! -Sydney, via tripadvisor.com

Hooking up the icy features on an
afternoon tour in Berne Park.

We offer full ice climbing equipment rental out of our office. Guides will bring hot drinks and can assist you with taking photos. Our guides are fully trained in preventing and treating cold-related injuries, and will keep you and your group out of harm’s way.

For those new to ice climbing, we can teach you:

• Ice Tool Techniques

• Ice Climbing Equipment Use

• Climbing Safety & Communication

ITINERARY:

• Day trips: Meet at the Glacier Adventure Guides office at 9 a.m., where we will drive to the crag to begin climbing. Drive times are five minutes to Berne Park, or 90 minutes to Stone Hill. Full day of ice climbing, return to Columbia Falls by 5 p.m.

• Half-day trips: Meet at the Glacier Adventure Guides office at 9 a.m., where we will drive five minutes to the trailhead. Return to the office by 1 p.m.

EQUIPMENT LIST

-DOWNLOAD THIS LIST IN A .PDF-

ICE CLIMBING GEAR - INCLUDED

CLOTHING

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Glacier Adventure Guides leads ice climbing day and half-day trips to two areas.

*NOTE: DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS, CERTAIN ICE CLIMBING TRIPS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE.

STONE HILL - Our best area, with 90-foot tall roadside ice (FULL DAYS ONLY)

Swinging away in bomber conditions,
Stone Hill road cut.

STONE HILL ROADCUT

Our summertime climbing haven, Stone Hill, turns into an amazing ice destination in winter. Seeps from the slopes above Montana 37 run down the cliffs, freezing into ice walls up to 90 ft (28m) tall. Enjoy the convenience of roadside ice with no approach! Chilly climbers can take a break in a heated vehicle with a hot drink. This is the comfiest, most accessible ice around and a great way to try the sport.

90-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS
BEST SEASON: DECEMBER – MARCH
ROUTES: 10
DIFFICULTY: WI 3- WI4+

BERNE PARK - Only a 5-minute drive from town and a great half-day trip

Working up the moderate climbs above
Columbia Mountain trailhead on a
beautiful January morning.

BERNE PARK

The many streams running down the slopes of Columbia Mountain form into amazing ice climbs in the winter months. This local practice crag is close to town, offers short, easy pitches and is a great way to try ice climbing or just get a workout on a day off from skiing.

5-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS
BEST SEASON: DECEMBER – MARCH
ROUTES: 7
DIFFICULTY: WI2-3+

Columbia Falls is located in northwest Montana and is known as “The Gateway to Glacier.”

The town is also a short drive from the North Fork of the Flathead River, and is surrounded by the Whitefish, Livingston and Swan mountain ranges and several national and state forests. “C-Falls” is a prime destination for skiing, hiking and camping. Adventure lives here!

Drive times to Columbia Falls:

Glacier International Airport (FCA): 15 min.
Missoula International Airport (MSO): 2-3 hrs.
Whitefish Train Depot: 20 min.

Hotels: We encourage you to check out the historic Izaak Walton Inn, located in beautiful Essex, Montana. Tucked away in the forest, the Inn offers trails right from the hotel, a full restaurant and bar, hot tub and private suites.

Cost includes:

Guide(s)

Group gear

Food

Equipment rental

Transportation from the office to trail head

Does not include:

Hotel costs before, during, or after the trips

Transportation from lodging to office (shuttle rates: $75 from town, $125 from Whitefish Mountain Resort).

Guide Gratuity

Ready to book? You have the option to either call and book via phone or through our secure Online Reservation System.

Need more information? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Free inquiries can be made by calling us at 877-735-9514 or emailing Greg Fortin, owner and lead guide.

All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver, fill out our Guide Questionnaire and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.