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COACHING, GUIDING AND INSPIRING
Norway Ice Climbing
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The deep valleys of Western Norway provide the ice climber with some of the finest and most spectacular challenges on earth. Further north than the well known areas of Rjukan and Hemsedal lie many miles of little known and sparsely populated steep sided valleys. The long, dark, cold winters reliably build huge quantities of steep ice and the whole 'Fjordland' area is transformed into a winter climbers paradise where solitude and adventure are virtually guaranteed.
It was this rare combination of qualities, coupled with the fact that it all lies within an easy days travel of the UK that drew the attention of the adventurous mountain guide, Martin Moran. For around 20 years he and his dedicated group of guides and instructors led his clients on ice climbing adventures of all types and at all standards of difficulty. After experimenting with various valley bases, Aurland was eventually settled on as the optimum location and from the luxurious cabins here hundreds of Martin's clients were able to enjoy their climbing holidays. |
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Over the years in excess of one hundred first ascents were made and all types of guiding and instruction took place. Some clients learned the basics or led their first ice pitches under the watchful eye of a guide or instructor, other very experienced clients were able to enjoy long, steep and spectacular ice falls with the comfort and safety of a rope above them and a guide alongside.
Sadly, Martin Moran passed away in 2019. However, some of the regular staff who worked on these unique trips are keen to carry on running them. This, we hope, will continue to cater for the many 'regulars' who attended year after year, and also attract newcomers who are yet to experience Norwegian ice. Our aim is to retain the truly adventurous nature that Martin's unique trips offered and thus their appeal to climbers of all abilities and experience levels with an adventurous streak.
Sadly, Martin Moran passed away in 2019. However, some of the regular staff who worked on these unique trips are keen to carry on running them. This, we hope, will continue to cater for the many 'regulars' who attended year after year, and also attract newcomers who are yet to experience Norwegian ice. Our aim is to retain the truly adventurous nature that Martin's unique trips offered and thus their appeal to climbers of all abilities and experience levels with an adventurous streak.
The week long trips on offer are from January to mid March. This is the time that offers the best combination of ice build up and daylight hours before things become too warm in the spring
Rjukan Ice Climbing 2026 Dates:
4th to 11th January
11th to 18th January
Hemsedal Ice Climbing 2026 Dates:
18th to 25th January
25th January to 1st February
1st to 8th February
Aurland Ice Climbing 2026 Dates:
8th to 15th February
15th to 22nd February
22nd February to 1st March
Please contact us for prices and more information.
4th to 11th January
11th to 18th January
Hemsedal Ice Climbing 2026 Dates:
18th to 25th January
25th January to 1st February
1st to 8th February
Aurland Ice Climbing 2026 Dates:
8th to 15th February
15th to 22nd February
22nd February to 1st March
Please contact us for prices and more information.
On a typical week some sort of combination of the guiding, instruction and coaching is usual, but obviously to some extent the prevailing snow, ice and weather conditions will dictate the actual activities we can offer. The guides are all highly experienced, well qualified and very motivated so you will certainly get the most out of your week. The norm on these trips is to climb for five days out of six, allowing a usually very welcome rest day to be enjoyed, either relaxing in the cabins, exploring the local villages or skiing at one of the nearby resorts. The rest day is flexible and may be used to avoid a particularly bad weather day in the forecast. Despite what you might think, many of the valleys are extremely sheltered as they are so deep, often in the right place, so a peaceful day of climbing can be enjoyed whilst a mile above the wind roars over the open plateau.
Climbing wise, the guides can cater for all ability and experience levels, and it is best to contact us first to discuss your exact requirements. There are short simple climbs available for those just starting out who need to develop the basic techniques. There are also long and daunting climbs that are a challenge for even the most accomplished climbers, and the really unique advantage of this area is that there is still the opportunity to pioneer new climbs. Of course on days where new climbs are tackled the outcome is uncertain and success is certainly not guaranteed, but you will experience the thrill of climbing where no-one has ever been before, unlocking the secrets of the climb and hopefully experience the joy of success. Many climbers climb their whole lives and never experience the great satisfaction of pioneering a new climb where all ones skills and resolve may be called upon. Of course, if successful the party can name the climb and suggest a grade.
If you are wishing to develop your own technical skills coaching is on offer covering everything from basic crampon technique, leading of climbs or the methods used to tackle the most demanding climbs. The week will be tailored to your requirements as best we can, and we may be able to put you in touch with other clients with similar aims in order for you to share the costs, or of course one to one guiding is also available
If you are wishing to develop your own technical skills coaching is on offer covering everything from basic crampon technique, leading of climbs or the methods used to tackle the most demanding climbs. The week will be tailored to your requirements as best we can, and we may be able to put you in touch with other clients with similar aims in order for you to share the costs, or of course one to one guiding is also available
When you book we will send you a kit list and a training plan so you can start getting ready for your week of climbing!
