Ice climbing, which is also called “ice cascading”, is a relatively unknown activity. As its name suggests, this activity consists in climbing naturally iced-over walls using ice axes and crampons. This sport, which is very dependent on the weather conditions, can be practised in Leysin in two ideally exposed sites.
Exchange the hardness of rock for the purity of ice: more and more climbers of all levels enjoy this experience each winter. Well equipped with ice axes and crampons and accompanied by a mandatory guide, the fans of ice climbing tackle frozen-over walls to practise this little-known sport. The climbers experience their favourite sensations - being at one with nature and physical effort based on concentration - in frozen-over cascades and immaculate landscapes.
Ice is a living matter. The slightest thaw makes this sport impracticable. In Leysin, two ideally exposed sites preserve the frozen walls from the sun throughout the winter season. Located on Tour d’Aï (above Mayen Lake) and in the Hongrin gorges, these two sites welcome groups of four to eight participants that are led by professional climbers of the Leysin Mountain Guide Office.
