Ice Climbing in the Wasatch Mountains

Things to know

• Covid measures in the Wasatch Mountains, Utah

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Wasatch Mountains, UT, please refer to Utah Travel Guidance Government and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local ice climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • One to three days of ice climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
    • All technical ice climbing equipment except for the boots (harness, helmet, ice tools, and crampons)

  What’s not included:

  • • Boots
    • Transportation
    • Accommodation
    • Personal clothing and equipment
    • Meals and snacks
    • Parking
• How fit do I need to be?

  If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up ice formations using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never ice climbed before?

  The Wasatch Mountains have plenty of options for beginner ice climbers. Whether you’ve never ice climbed before or are transitioning from the rocks to ice structures, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the ice, and most importantly, have fun!

  For intermediate to advanced ice climbers, the Wasatch Mountains have loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while ice climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

• What about required equipment?

  All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service, except for the boots. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Harness
    • Ice tools
    • Crampons

  Here’s a list of the equipment you should:

  • • Three pairs of gloves
    • Hat that fits under the helmet
    • Buff
    • Down coat or synthetic puffy coat
    • Wind and waterproof soft shell jacket with hood
    • Waterproof pants
    • Coat or other warm under layers
    • Wool or polyester base layer
    • Down-fill vest or fleece jacket mid-layer
    • Synthetic or wool underwear and socks
    • Boots
    • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 30-40L bag)
    • Water bottle
    • Thermos with a warm beverage
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • Warmers and toe warmers
    • Sunscreen and lip balm
    • Toiletries
    • Sunglasses
    • Ski goggles
    • Headlamp
    • Camera — optional

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The group size for the half-day and full-day private ice climbs is usually between 1–12 people with up to 4:1 guest-to-guide ratio.
    • For multi-pitch ice climbing, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
    • For the Advanced Day, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 5:1. If joining alone, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar level of experience.
    • Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

  Ice climbing days in the Wasatch Mountains can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors as young as 8 may be permitted to ice climb on half-day or full-day adventures on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
    • Minors as young as 12 may be permitted to ice climb multi-pitch routes on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has ice climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Wasatch Mountains, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport 30 minutes to 2 hours away from various ice climbing locations in the Wasatch Mountains area. From there, you can rent a car, get a taxi, or take trams.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.