Try Ice Climbing in Alaska, Chamonix, or Norway

Try your hand at Ice Climbing — A trend that's picking up with Indian travellers.

Region: Valdez (Alaska); Rjukan (Norway) and Chamonix

This sounds like fun already. Contrary to what people do mostly, which is skiing down on slopes, you can now try to climb the icy slopes. This sport has been around for a long time and simple to get around if you have a Mountain Guide to begin lessons with. Winter Equipment Shops give the right sized boots, ice axe, screws and hats for climbers. With the right snowfall, you are good to begin.

Valdez Time Ahoy!

- Valdez in Alaska is now in news for the ice climbing fests it hosts every year. It is a small community located at the terminus of the world-famous Trans-Alaska Pipeline. To many adventurers who love the snow, Valdez may be best known for heli skiing in the Chugach Mountains. However, Valdez has been in news since the 1970s when ice climbing became a popular sport with visitors and locals.

Chamonix Treat

- The Chamonix Valley is popular with beginners for its amazing ice falls. In and around Chamonix, it is easy to take on over 200 routes for all levels. If you would like to venture in the valley itself, enjoy any of the 10 spots where you can use your crampons and ice axes. It is observed that icefalls at altitude normally start to form around December. The lower falls start forming from January onwards. Make your plans.

Plenty In Store In Rjukan

- If you like your plans being all premier than head to Rjukan in Norway. Since the year 2005, Rjukan has become known as Northern Europe's premier ice climbing spot and has attracted many interested climbers from across the globe. In fact, the month of February, is when the Rjukan boast of highest crowds who love to try ice climbing. This destination also serves as an apt base for cross-country skiing — including onto the vast Hardangervidda Plateau. There is also an alpine skiing centre at Gaustablikk. During December or January, it can get fairly cold but during late January, February and early March, you can have a pleasant time with the advantage of more daylight.