Ice climbing
Winter is here. The peaks turn white and the waterfalls freeze, creating the ultimate playground for the bold. Ice axes, crampons, ropes, and screws at the ready! We run specialist clinics to teach or fine‑tune your ice‑climbing skills, tailored to your level. Winter season only, subject to a brief admission interview. Expeditions run 2–4 days.
On ice, we take it step by step.
Level I – Technical Fundamentals
Designed for mountaineers making their ice debut, this module zeroes in on the basic biomechanics of the ice‑axe cane position and progressive crampon work (French, German, and mixed techniques) on slopes up to 55°. You’ll drill self‑arrest with an ice axe, glacier roping, key knots (Munter hitch, butterfly, double fisherman’s), and building fundamental anchors: single ice screw, T‑slot in hard snow, and single‑layer ice belays. We also cover thermal‑risk management, surface‑ice reading (candela, cauliflower, névé), and 1:4 rope‑team safety protocols.
Level II – Vertical Terrain Progression
Aimed at climbers already leading WI2–WI3 routes, this course dives into front‑pointing with twin ergonomic tools, on‑lead screw placement (clip‑ladder, zipper), and building redundant belays with Abalakov/V‑threads. You’ll practice controlled falls and crevasse rescue with 3:1 and 5:1 systems, tackle 70–80° pitches on plastic or bullet ice, and refine multipitch comms, simultaneous rappels, and advanced snow‑pack assessment for complex approaches. A 1:2 guide‑to‑client ratio gives you real‑time feedback.
Level III – Extreme & Mixed Ice Leadership
Aimed at climbers solid on WI4 and chasing sustained WI5‑WI6/M5+ lines, this level covers leashless thin‑ice moves, dry‑tool transitions on rotten rock, marginal pro (10 cm screws, Spectre pitons, stubbies) and handling long runouts. You’ll build complex anchors—ice daggers, beefed‑up bollards, horizontal pickets—and drill wall self‑rescue (autoblock prusik, counter‑balance haul). We round it out with advanced camp logistics, acclimatization strategy, and high‑altitude decision‑making, honing leadership and rope‑team psychology under real stress.
What gear should I bring for an expedition with Gaucho Expeditions?
We recommend double mountaineering boots, thermal layers, goggles or category‑4 sunglasses, snow pants, a down jacket, a waterproof shell, warm waterproof gloves (liner + outer), sunscreen, and a sturdy medium‑ or small‑sized pack for your personal gear.
If you already own ice axes, crampons, ropes, harness, or screws, we’ll check them together before leaving town to make sure everything is serviceable—or arrange rentals if not.
Safety comes first.
Are Gaucho Expeditions’ guides certified?
Yes. All our guides are certified professionals with extensive mountaineering and first‑aid experience, ensuring your safety throughout the trip.
Does Gaucho Expeditions offer transportation from Mendoza to the expedition’s starting point?
Yes—we provide transportation from Mendoza to the adventure start point for your comfort and peace of mind.
Dare to break the ice!
Come learn and feel the thrill of ascending a mountain on a wall of frozen water.
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