intro to ice
climbing

Golden State Guiding is excited to announce our Intro to Ice Climbing Courses in June Lake are back on the schedule for the 2026 season! GSG will be hosting multiple pre-scheduled Intro to Ice Climbing weekends in the Eastern Sierra, in June Lake, and we want you to come out with us and swing some tools! Our Intro to Ice Climbing courses will be focused around topics such as which mountain boots to use and why, the difference between multiple styles of crampons, ice tools and leashes, climbing techniques, reading the ice and it’s characteristics, V-Thread vs. 0-Thread anchors and more. Scroll below to learn more about our Intro to Ice Climbing, pre-scheduled weekends in June Lake this winter and register for your course today! And if our pre-scheduled dates don’t work for you, we’re happy to accommodate a private booking to help fit within your desired dates. We’re keeping the groups to the smaller side so these weekends could sell out quickly!

INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING REGISTRATION
INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING PRIVATE BOOKINGS
Intro to ice climbing course with professional instructors on frozen waterfalls
Beginner ice climbing class teaching fundamentals in an outdoor winter setting
Guided ice climbing instruction for first-time climbers
Small group introductory ice climbing lesson with certified guides
Professional ice climbing course focused on safety and technique
Beginner-friendly ice climbing experience on natural ice formations
Guided ice climbing class for learning basic movement and tool use
Introductory ice climbing training in a scenic alpine environment
Outdoor ice climbing instruction with experienced mountain guides
Ice climbing fundamentals course for new climbers
Guided beginner ice climbing experience on frozen terrain
Professional instruction for climbers learning to climb ice
Small group ice climbing course in a winter mountain setting
Intro to ice climbing program focused on confidence and safety
Guided ice climbing lesson on natural frozen waterfalls
Beginner ice climbing class with hands-on instruction
Outdoor winter climbing course introducing ice climbing skills
Certified guides teaching introductory ice climbing techniques
Ice climbing course designed for first-time participants
Guided ice climbing instruction in cold alpine conditions
Small group beginner ice climbing training session
Introductory ice climbing experience with professional instructors
Ice climbing basics course on real ice formations
Guided winter climbing class for learning ice climbing fundamentals
Professional ice climbing instruction for beginners
Outdoor ice climbing lesson in a mountain environment
Intro to ice climbing course covering essential safety systems
Guided beginner ice climbing program on frozen alpine routes

INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING COURSE INFO

LOCATION: Eastern Sierra // June Lake, CA

PRIVATE OUTING LENGTH: 2 DAYS

  • January 17th - 18th, 2026

    ***Private courses available, click here to inquire***

  • Two Ice Climbing Tools

    Crampons

    Mountaineering Boots

    Helmet

    Harness

    ***We have a limited size run of boots. Boots will be assigned as participants register and could sell out. Eastside Sports in Bishop also rents boots at a reasonable price***

  • Click here for our Intro to Ice Climbing Curriculum

  • All guests will be required to bring their own gloves and the appropriate outerwear for both days in the field. If you are in need of any of this gear we highly recommend our friends at Mammoth Mountaineering for the puffy’s, shells, and gloves, and Ridge Merino for your base layer needs.

INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING REGISTRATION
INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING PRIVATE BOOKINGS

BIG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING OUR INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING COURSES!

INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING

JUNE LAKE, California

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This course is designed for climbers who want to learn foundational ice-climbing movement, equipment use, rope systems, and winter risk-management skills in the Eastern Sierra.

  • No previous ice-climbing experience is required unless stated in the course prerequisites. Participants should be comfortable traveling on snow and uneven winter terrain and prepared for cold conditions.

  • The curriculum may cover crampon technique, ice-tool use, efficient movement, belaying, knots, equipment, ice evaluation, basic climbing systems, communication, and appropriate winter clothing and preparation.

  • The course is based in the Eastern Sierra near June Lake. Specific climbing areas and objectives depend on ice formation, access, weather, group experience, and current conditions.

  • The private Intro to Ice Climbing program is structured as a two-day outing. Scheduled course dates, registration options, and exact daily timing are shown or confirmed during booking.

  • Included technical gear and required personal equipment are listed in the course information. Participants receive a detailed packing list covering boots, crampons, tools, helmet, harness, clothing, and winter essentials.