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 guided private ice climbing tour with the Flathead Valley’s Glacier Adventure Guides. They’ve got all the tools, equipment and experience to help you explore the ice sculptures of winter in Western Montana.
There’s this place where we hit the trail for happy hour.
What do you get when big-city culture meets local mountain charm? Visit Missoula, Montana and find out for yourself.
Ice Climbing Destinations
Bear Creek
Located in the Bitterroot Valley, Bear Creek has good rock quality and is bolted for mixed climbs.
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 Crown of the Continent 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.
