Scale Ice + Rock in Western Montana
If winter mountaineering and alpine climbing are your game (or even if you’ve never heard of a crampon) come play on Glacier Country’s icefalls, frozen waterfalls and iced rock slabs. Take a custom ice climbing trip with Whitefish Vertical Adventures. They’ve got all the tools, equipment and experience to help you explore the ice sculptures of winter in Western Montana.
Avalanche safety should always be top of mind when you’re headed into the deep stuff. Carry avalanche safety gear, know the red flags of an unstable snowpack, check the avalanche forecast, and get educated in avalanche safety.
Ice Climbing Destinations
Bear Creek
Located near Victor, Bear Creek's ice can be found on the north walls of the canyon across the creek near the parking lot. This area makes for a fun half-day adventure.
Mission Falls
This popular ice climbing destination is located outside of St. Ignatius in the Mission Valley. The longer approach compensates climbers willing to put in the effort, rewarding them with a huge wall of ice. This is a great place for beginners.
Finley Creek
Located outside of Arlee, this area offers a short approach and about a dozen climbs, making it a superb option for a half-day destination climb. Most of the climbing areas in the Mission Valley are located on tribal lands. Be sure to obtain the appropriate permit.
Glacier National Park
It's no surprise that the park offers world-class ice climbing. Designed for the more-experienced climber, most of the routes offer direct, exposed, steep and logistically complicated climbs. If you are a well-seasoned climber, head to the park. The quality and aesthetics of the climbs are incredible.
Many travelers to Montana wisely plan their trips to include both of our national parks: Glacier and Yellowstone. To help make the most of your time, we’ve put together several road-trip itineraries that offer adrenaline-fueled, authentic park-to-park experiences, including ice climbing. For inspiration, visit Glaciers to Geysers.
