Day Rates
Perfect for competent ice climbers who have recent experience of climbing a Grade III or above, or who have completed the Snow Factor Ice Climbing Course. Bring your kit, turn up, fill out a day registration form and climb all day!
| Prices | |
|---|---|
| Guest Day Rate | £15.00pp |
| Member Day Rate | £10.00pp |
* Group discounts are available on a club basis. Please email salesenquiries@snowfactor.com for more information.
Don’t have everything you need to climb… Hire equipment from us
| Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Jnr | |
| Equipment hire (full kit) | £8.00 | £4.00 |
| Equipment hire (per item) | £2.50 | £1.50 |
* Prices are per person. The use of gloves is mandatory for the ice wall.
Our boot sizes range from a size 4 to a size 12, should you require a bigger boot then please arrange this before hand by phoning the centre on 0141 885 700.
Join our Ice Climbing Community
Like us on FACEBOOK.
Our Walls:
We have also made a cave climb for your enjoyment. This unique climb is designed to recreate what it feels like to climb through a cornice or cave . It requires the climber to back rope the route with a tracer line so that the rope can be reset for the next climber. Further information on how to climb the route safely can be found beside the climb, please ask a member of the climbing staff if in any doubt as how to use it. The entrance size to the route will change due to the amount of water we use to make our climbs. We ask that you use your discretion before entering it. Please do not try and intentionally enlarge the hole without consent from a member of the ice wall team. Do not enter if in any doubt of success.
Day Rates
Perfect for competent ice climbers who have recent experience of climbing a Grade III or above, or who have completed the Snow Factor Ice Climbing Course. Bring your kit, turn up, fill out a day registration form and climb all day!
| Prices | |
|---|---|
| Guest Day Rate | £15.00pp |
| Member Day Rate | £10.00pp |
* Group discounts are available on a club basis. Please email salesenquiries@snowfactor.com for more information.
Don’t have everything you need to climb… Hire equipment from us
| Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Jnr | |
| Equipment hire (full kit) | £8.00 | £4.00 |
| Equipment hire (per item) | £2.50 | £1.50 |
* Prices are per person. The use of gloves is mandatory for the ice wall.
Our boot sizes range from a size 4 to a size 12, should you require a bigger boot then please arrange this before hand by phoning the centre on 0141 885 700.
Join our Ice Climbing Community
Like us on FACEBOOK.
Our Walls:
We have also made a cave climb for your enjoyment. This unique climb is designed to recreate what it feels like to climb through a cornice or cave . It requires the climber to back rope the route with a tracer line so that the rope can be reset for the next climber. Further information on how to climb the route safely can be found beside the climb, please ask a member of the climbing staff if in any doubt as how to use it. The entrance size to the route will change due to the amount of water we use to make our climbs. We ask that you use your discretion before entering it. Please do not try and intentionally enlarge the hole without consent from a member of the ice wall team. Do not enter if in any doubt of success.
Become an Ice Wall Member
If you take out an annual membership, sessions will only cost £10pp thereafter. Participants must be aged 16 years and over.
Annual membership includes a 15-30 minute induction with our Ice Wall duty Manager or instructor.
Please note: If you are currently a Snow Factor or Ice Factor member, your membership will guarantee member rates on our ice wall.
| Prices | |
|---|---|
| Annual Membership | £15.00 |
* Prices are per person. Please bring ID with you to ensure that you qualify for members rates.
Existing Membership Holders
Existing Members of Snow Factor/ Ice Factor / AMI / IFMGA / UIGM / BMG
Bring your kit, turn up and climb!
| Prices | |
|---|---|
| Members Rate | £10.00 |
| Buy 10 passes (valid for 12 months) | £80.00 |
For more information on Block Passes, please email customercare@snowfactor.com for more information. Please note that you must be a member to purchase blocks of 5 or 10 passes.
Special Offer
Block Bookings:
Bring your kit, turn up and climb!
| Prices | |
|---|---|
| Members Rate | |
| Buy 10 passes (valid for 12 months) | £80.00 |
* For more information on Block Passes, please email customercare@snowfactor.com for more information. Please note that you must be a member to purchase blocks of 5 or 10 passes. If you don’t have everything you need to climb… Hire equipment from Snow Factor.
| Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Jnr | |
| Equipment hire (full kit) | £8.00 | £4.00 |
| Equipment hire (per item) | £2.50 | £1.50 |
* Prices are per person. The use of gloves is mandatory for the ice wall. Our boot sizes range from a size 4 to a size 12, should you require a bigger boot then please arrange this before hand by phoning the centre on 0871 222 5672 .
Ice Wall T+Cs
Ice Climbing Terms & Conditions
FAQs
Why is the Instructed Induction Course mandatory?
Even if you are an experienced rock climber, ice climbing is a totally different discipline. Our overriding concern must always be the safety of our customers and staff. The induction course will therefore ensure that every user of the wall has been equipped with the skills to ice climb to an appropriate standard.
Can I cut the Induction Course short?
The quick answer is NO. But if you are an existing winter climber it will become quickly apparent to the Duty Manager. The focus will then shift onto giving you additional coaching tips before progressing your registration.
Why do I have to register?
Our sister site is the National Ice Climbing Centre, and we are full members of the Association of British Climbing Walls. This means we implement and follow industry best practice with regards to new members. Registration ensures that every member is aware of the risks associated with climbing and mountain sports, and has personal proficiency in the required areas.
What is the registration process?
Once you have completed the induction your details will be recorded on our data base (we never pass these to other companies) and you will be issued with a member’s card. When you next return, you show your card, pay £15 and climb. Registration also qualifies you for membership at our sister site at Ice Factor, Kinlochleven.
How long do I get on the wall for my entry fee?
Up to you! You are welcome to stay on the walls as long as you are able. If demand pushes this, then we may ask for you to move aside to let new climbers on.
Can I take a break and go back up?
Yes. There is a link bridge to Bar Varia Bier Halle and Restaurant, but please be aware that if you have more than one alcoholic drink you will not be permitted to return to the wall.
I’ve got my own kit - can I use it on your walls?
Yes. However, all equipment must be fit for purpose. Helmets are compulsory within the Cold Zone, boots must be B3 (fully rigid) and crampons must be C2/3. Ice Axes must be technical winter climbing axes (with the hammer and adze capped with resistant stopper / material to prevent injury from bounce back) and although we positively encourage dry tooling techniques, for operational safety these must be attached using leashes / clippers or springers to the rope to stop them falling onto other climbers or belayers. Please ask a member of staff if you are unsure that your kit is in compliance.
I’ve got my own harness and helmet, but I don’t have any ice kit, can I hire it?
All equipment will be provided as part of your induction course but for further visits you can hire what you need. You can also buy a wide range of climbing hardware from Ellis Brighams who are located in the centre.
How many ropes are there?
There are 40 ice climbing ropes on the walls. We do not allow lead climbing (again, this is a safety issue to prevent climbers dropping / swinging onto other climbers / belayers) and we limit the number of climbers to 30 in any session to ensure that there are always lines in operation.
Do I need to pre-book?
Yes. Pre-booking is essential for all courses and taster lessons. We will do our best to accommodate you, but to avoid disappointment, please book ahead on 0871 222 5672
What about clothing?
Warm clothing is vital as the temperature in the Cold Zone reaches -6o Centigrade. Ideally dress in 2-3 layers (one big bulky layer will get in the way when you climb). You must wear gloves at all times when using the Ice Wall as otherwise the ice will damage your hands. Suitable clothing can be hired from Snow Factor for a nominal fee and gloves can be purchased at the ticket desk.
Where do I change and put my belongings?
There are changing rooms, showers and toilets. Lockers are also available for a £1 non-refundable fee.
Can my friend teach me?
No. For everyone’s safety/insurance purposes we only allow qualified Snow Factor instructors to teach on our walls.
Can I take pictures?
Yes, if you fill in a disclaimer form when you arrive to check in. We also ask that you try and photograph only the people in your party.
Is there somewhere for spectators to watch?
Yes. Bar Varia has panoramic windows as well as cosy couches, a wood-burning stove, a Wi-Fi connection and a gourmet coffee and cake menu. There is also a dedicated viewing balcony. Please be aware: only registered climbers or students under instruction can enter the main Cold Zone.
How was the Ice Wall built?
The indoor wall at Snow Factor was designed by Jamie Smith, founder and MD of Ice Wall. Keith Johnson (Slope Manager, Engineer and all round good guy) played a seminal role in creating the wall, along with the engineering team and Jamie Bankhead (former Ice Factor manager) who all worked tirelessly for 4 months to get the Ice Wall into shape. Rigorously tested by an external structural engineer, the wall was built using galvanized triangular steel, overlaid by a mesh of Glycol Coolant Pipes to cool the wall from behind. To absorb the weight, the steel rests on concrete pilings and a heat coil layer was applied under the floor to prevent ice frost damaging the building foundation. Heat Transfer pads sit between the galvanized sections of steel to prevent thermal transfer and two layers of steel mesh lie over the structure and are packed with hard / glacial type ice. On top of this a layer of water ice and neve (deep fresh snow) is added and a further rebar metal grid then protects the ice. On top of all this is the ‘sacrificial’ climbing surface which is then soaked to ‘proof’ the wall. We have 16 snow cannons in the roof gantry which fire atomized water into the air at very high pressure to create fresh snow every night. The sheer size of Snow Factor facilitates the very dry, cold atmosphere and allows us to create a near perfect environment for the Ice Wall.
