Different waterfalls have different degrees of difficulty for climbers, but it is a highly challenging sport all the same. If you’re a beginner, the best thing is to climb with a mountain guide.
To get a good grounding in this sport, it’s best to sign up for a course with a mountain guide, who will teach you how to use your equipment (crampons, ice axes and climbing gear) properly, how to improve your technique and how to recognise the risks and follow the right safety measures on virgin terrain covered with snow and ice.
As well as your climbing gear (helmet, harness, carabiners, rope, etc.) you’ll need specific equipment such as crampons, ice axes and screws. As you will be on snowy ground, you must have an avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel and probe).
You’ll need boots you can fit crampons onto, a thermal base layer, trousers, a waterproof jacket, headband or hat and insulated gloves. Don’t forget a down jacket and an extra pair of gloves if it’s very cold or your others get wet.
The window for ice climbing is short: the coldest months of the year, namely January, February and early March.
Beware of changing climate conditions as they can alter the quality of the ice, even in the coldest months.
