Ice climbing in Abisko or ice climbing is derived from traditional climbing. Using ropes, ice axes and crampons, set out to conquer the Swedish glaciers! Accessible to everyone aged 13 and over, you can enjoy this unique experience in the heart of the extreme cold. Skill, agility and analysis are the key words for a successful climb.
In this article, we’ll take you through an ice climbing session in Abisko and tell you everything you need to know before you book.
Practical information on ice climbing in Abisko
Here’s what you need to know before going ice climbing.
Ice Climbing Prize
Here is the offer for this activity in Abisko:
This 3-hour introductory course offers access to a frozen waterfall from Abisko, accompanied by a professional guide. All equipment is provided, as are all the recommendations needed to complete this Ice Climbing activity in the best possible conditions.
When can you go ice climbing in Abisko?
Winter is the only time to do this activity.
Indeed, if the ice isn’t thick enough, you won’t be able to climb the icefalls. You’ll see for yourself.
Some areas of the river may be off-limits, as the ice is not strong enough to support the weight of a person. This activity is available from November to March, weather permitting.
In all cases, if the event has to be cancelled due to bad weather, you will be notified by the organization.
How do I get there?
You’ll meet your guide in front of your hotel or at a meeting point arranged beforehand. He’ll then take you to the Abisko Tourist Station parking lot, where he’ll explain a few things you need to know before getting your climbing gear and heading off into the gorge.
If you’d like to get there by car, there are plenty of spaces available in the Abisko Tourist Station parking lot. Simply park and join the group.
You can easily reach the meeting point from the village on foot. Alternatively, the Abisko Turiststation bus stop will take you directly to the parking lot.
In all cases, the guide will contact you by e-mail or Whatsapp the day before to arrange the meeting place.
How long does the activity last?
Allow 3 full hours. Once you’ve reached the bottom of the ice column, the guide will show you how to climb, and then you can set off one after the other to attempt the wall.
Generally speaking, it takes between 10 and 20 minutes to climb up and down. Once everyone has gone through, and depending on the time remaining, you may have the opportunity to climb the wall a second time.
What’s it like to ice-climb at Abisko?
Here’s how the activity works, and how the 3 hours of ice climbing will unfold.
The meeting point
Once the guide has picked you up in front of your hotel, he will take you to the parking lot of the Abisko Tourist Station.
There, he’ll give you an overview of the activity and what you’ll be doing, and hand out your equipment (helmet, crampons and harness). You’ll then have to make your way to Abisko National Park, just a few minutes’ walk away.
Here, a long descent awaits you to reach the climbing spot. The guide will offer to help you put on your crampons, which require special lacing.
Once the crampons, helmet and harness have been properly fitted, you’ll pass a black rope that indicates the start of the descent.
The descent
It may seem a little daunting at first, but it’s actually quite easy to descend. Crampons are very useful for climbing this first obstacle.
All you need to do is plant your foot firmly on the ice for optimum grip. Ropes are also available if you feel the need to hang on.
Once you’ve completed the descent, you’ll come to an icy gorge. The scenery is beautiful, and you’ll discover that you’re actually walking on the frozen riverbed!
Be sure to follow the guide, as some places in the ice can be more fragile than others, and you don’t want to fall into the water.
You will then arrive at the bottom of an icefall, around which the guide will invite you to position yourself. He will then give you more precise climbing instructions.
As with classic climbing, you’ll be attached to the instructor by a rope. In fact, climbing is always done in pairs. So there’s nothing to worry about if you fall, as you’ll be held securely. Next, you’ll be lent ice axes, which are indispensable for climbing the waterfall.
How do I climb the waterfall?
The rules are very simple: first of all, when you climb, make sure you always plant your foot firmly in the ice.
In fact, you’ll have spikes at the end of your shoes and you’ll need to plant them in the ice wall to give yourself an extra grip and be able to rest on this support.
Then, as regards your position, you need to be well placed to conserve your energy as much as possible so that you can climb to the top.
You’ll need to remember to keep your arms straight when planting the pick and your pelvis close to the wall, while keeping your feet apart and your heels down, so as not to overwork your muscles.
Plant your ice axes strategically in hollows so as not to tire yourself, and remember to use your crampons when planting them in the ice.
Drive an ice axe, then the second, drive a crampon, then the second and pull yourself up by the handles, until you reach the very top of the icefall!
The course requires skill and dexterity. You’ll need to think carefully about the path you’ll be taking before you set off to try and make it to the top!
Once you’ve climbed successfully, you’ll abseil down, and then it’s another person’s turn to climb. You may have the opportunity to climb a second time, depending on the time remaining, to try and improve your skills.
You will then return to the starting point, where you will be asked to part with your equipment. You can then set off again, either with the guide or on your own.
Frequently asked questions
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the most frequently asked questions about ice climbing in Abisko.
Equipment and clothing for ice climbing
You won’t needany special equipment. Special shoes, crampons, harness and helmet are all provided for you to climb the glacier.
Is it possible to take photos during the climb?
During your ascent, it will be impossible to take out any equipment to take photos. You can attach a portable Go Pro-type camera to your helmet if you wish to immortalize your ascent.
However, the rest of the group will be at the foot of the waterfall while you climb. An observation post is also available on the right-hand side of the site for non-climbers wishing to watch the ice climbing.
If you’d like to keep a souvenir of yourself climbing the ice column, you can ask someone below or on the viewpoint to take a photo of you.
We recommend that you don’t take a camera, as you’ll be encumbered and risk damaging your equipment, which remains your responsibility.
Can you do it with children?
Ice climbing is forbidden for children under 13.
After all, it’s a fairly physical activity, requiring strength and dexterity that children too young won’t be able to handle.
Do I need experience to do this activity?
If you’ve never climbed before, that’s no problem.
This activity is designed for everyone, and the explanations given at the start will give you all the keys you need to make a success of your first ascent!
Now you know all you need to know aboutice climbing. A truly sensational activity, you’ll enjoy the adrenalin rush as you plunge your ice axe into the ice, hanging several meters high.
