Dale Skole - Ice Climbing

Great experience, amaizing people - both instructors and people we met on the course. Beautiful place and the caravan park is brilliant. We are coming back for the multipitch course . The instructors cater for all abilities so if you want to take it easy or more challenging they will find the best rute. Loved it

Best trip I have done! I love snowboarding and recently have got into hiking and other adventures. I have been climbing for 2 years now and this trip was so lovely to bring together some of my hobbies, my love of snow and the great outdoors and my passion of climbing. I can’t thank skyhook enough for this wonderful experience. The pictures didn’t even credit it enough how beautiful it was. 
Tim and Lars were great patient instructors and loved sharing their passion of this sport with us. Thank you! 

Just completed the basic ice climbing course. To say it exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. Thomas and Lars were excellent instructors, the accommodation is comfortable and friendly. The venues around Rjukan are stunning. Already planning my next trip.

Despite Norway going into lockdown the day we arrived, skyhook and the hostel we stayed in were fabulous. We were kept up to date throughout and thankfully the ice climbing was still able to go ahead. Tim the instructor was very knowledgeable and a great teacher. Overall, the trip was a great introduction to ice climbing. 

Wonderful experience cant wait to book again

Amazing enthusiastic instructors, helpful and constantly looking after our well-being both on the ice and after climbing. We stayed in gorgeously cosy traditional Norwegian huts on a pristine site. A weekend spent amongst beautiful scenery and in fun company, basically perfect!

Just got back, that was Awesome! Climbed at Ozzimosis on day 1 and Krokan on day 2, it was everything i hoped and more. 

The drive to Ozimosis was 5-mins and the walk-in is short but exciting, the climbing area is a mixture of short steep sections, with lots of inclines inbetween - great to learn the techniques and build confidence! There was a variety of difficulties so if you feel confident you can challenge yourself within your comfort level - and the guides offer tips and individual challenges too. It was not too cold, and after climbing I had to remove layers to cool-down! Everything was top-ropes, fixed to solid anchors and trees above - no climbing experience necessary. 

Day 2 was at a 15 min drive, and a beautiful 10-min walk-in - the place is so pretty. the climbing had a mixture of simple routes to more challenging climbs, it felt higher and more exciting but that was probably the joy of the general area and surroundings. 

I couldn't recommend this highly enough, the guides were fantastic and knowledgeable, the experience was worth twice the price - and i will be back next winter for the medium-level course! 

PS - Take a camera!!!!!

Everything about the experience with skyhook was amazing!! my wife and I had so much fun ice climbing in Norway that we just booked a hiking adventure in the Swiss Alps for next summer!!!

i booked this trip very last minute, and it was amazing. Very fortunate to be with a fabulous group. Fabulous instructors. 
I would highly recommend anyone to do this. ???????????? 
Definitely go to the hot tubs afterwards, and attempt the water slide race ????????

The ice climbing course was an amazing experience. Jakob was a great instructor and provided a stable platform to learn ice climbing and assisted when required. Staying at the Old School Hostel was a nice way to get to know the other team members and enabled us to develop a collegial spirit which shifted the climbing field and helped us to push and support each other in the ice climbing and reach our own goals. I strongly recommend to anyone thinking of doing this course, It was a highlight of my Scandinavian experience. 

Excellent service and a professional and fun weekend learning ice climbing. Ben, Callum and Magnus were all stars and made our weekend brilliant. The course was super challenging and really satisfying. We all learnt new skills and met a bunch of cool, like minded people. I would use these guys for another trip for sure!

It was a amazing course to go on. The instructors are really informative and very friendly. I look forwards to my next course. 

Feb 2018, female solo traveler on the beginner ice climbing course. Really
Enjoyed the trip, accommodation was lovely, instructors were friendly, approachable and gave good instructions. Brilliant time!

Excellent course, caters for all abilities and I felt pushed to go further than I imagined I could by the instructors Callan and Tom. People who have rock climbing experience found it much easier but the course catered for all abilities. I would definitely return. 
I would advise the company, though, to warn people that the local supermarket is closed on a Sunday so for any course starting on a Sunday it’s worth bringing your own food to cook at the hostel. Also the shoes needed for the climbing should really be provided, as they are specific to ice climbing and should be considered “kit”. Apart from that everything was excellent.

Great experience and very friendly and helpful instruction.   Choices as to where you climb are controlled by the weather.  It would be good to have some climbing experience if possible 

I loved this trip to combine my love of the snow from my many snowboarding Holidays and my enjoyment of climbing into one adventure. I’m not as experienced in climbing as my wife but this didn’t matter as you didn’t need any experience (it does help to have some but this is just to make it more enjoyable). It’s Very well organised. You learnt a lot in such a short time. The instructors were very patient and encouraging and their love of the sport showed, encouraging you even more. 

I would highly recommend the beginners Ice climbing course. As somebody with no climbing experience I was a little hesitant but the friendliness of the instructors Alan and Tom as well as the support of the others doing the course I quickly got into the swing of things. I went to Rjukan by bus from Oslo bus terminal via a connection in Notodden and found it to be a stress-free journey. The ice climbing itself is really good fun and the scenery is spectacular to say the least. I can’t recommend it enough 10/10 from me :)

An absolutely amazing way to spend a weekend! The old school hostel is outstanding providing hot showers and lots of room! A drying room for all your equipment after climbs. Hostel has everything you need. The lounge area is huge and has a log burner fire to warm up after spending the day with ice. The two instructors were very knowledgeable and friendly. The climbing is good for a range of experience as there’s varying difficulties of climbs for those who want to give it a try! Great climbing, great accommodation, great people! I’ll definitely be back for the intermediate course at some point! Thank you Jakob, Ben and skyhook for an amazing introduction to a fab sport!

What a fabulous time I had on the beginners course. The hostel was amazing. Excellent instructors Lars and Callum, a totally unforgettable experience. I will be back.

So much fun and in such a beautiful place, I have never been anywhere so scenic before. Very well organised and felt completely at ease despite being in a new country and not knowing anybody else on this course. 

This course is for total beginners, who want to try ice climbing in one of Norway's most incredible environments.

Beginners Ice Climbing

When you sign up, you're added to a group chat on your Skyhook dashboard. We recommend chatting here with the other participants (each group has 12 people), as most people arrange car-sharing to get to Rjukan from the airport. It's also a great way to get to know everyone, and works very well each year!

There is also a public transport option which takes around 4 hours, however, we recommend the car-share option as it's more affordable and convenient.

The hostel is a small and friendly hostel with basic dormitory-style accommodation. It has comfortable beds, good cooking facilities, warm showers, a sauna, Wi-Fi and a drying room. There is no reception desk – If you arrive early, then just come inside and make yourself a tea or coffee. Jakob is the hostel owner and the lead guide. Bed linen is all included.

Temperatures can range from -10C to -20C.

Absolutely yes - most people book alone. We know it can feel a bit intimidating, but your guides will do introductions when you arrive and you’ll get to know the others in no time!

You just need a basic level of fitness for this trip, as the guides will setup a big range of climbs (from very easy right up to very challenging). You also don't need any climbing experience (typically half of the 12-person group don't have any).

The guides are fantastic at picking out climbs that you are comfortable with trying, and helping you develop at your own pace. Equally if you prefer something very challenging, the guides can also setup routes that are very steep/overhanging if you want. There is something for everyone!

Yes. Popular providers include the BMC, Snowcard and Dogtag Insurance.

• European Health Insurance Card (if appropriate)

• Driver’s license & rental car details (if needed)

Please make sure all clothing is not cotton – cotton clothing is great for the summer but loses heat very quickly in the winter.

• 2 base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)

• ‘Booster layer’ e.g. second fleece

• Down jacket for warmth, if possible (from e.g. Rab, Alpkit, Mountain Equipment)

• Soft-shell trousers or other warm trousers

• 2 pairs of waterproof/snowproof gloves or mitts

• Wool hat that can be worn under a helmet

• Winter mountaineering boots that fit crampons (these can be rented directly from the hostel if not owned. The cost of rental is 200NOK)

• Sleeping bag liner for the hostel (you can rent sheets if not owned)

• Electronics - Head torch, travel adaptor (French plug style), phone & charger

If you own any of the following, you may bring them along as well:

The currency used in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (KR). There is 1 ATM machine in Rjukan, but it is worth getting money before you arrive.

The local supermarket has a broad selection, with equivalent prices to a higher-end supermarket in the UK (e.g. Waitrose). It's a 5-minute drive from the hostel, and you can see the opening hours here.

Most people fly to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL).

Yes, no problem - just let us know when you complete your registration form.

Yes, there is usually availability to stay extra nights - just drop the hostel a message if you want to do this.

The minimum age for all our courses is 18.

Similar clothing to ski clothing works well for the Beginners Course (several warm layers and waterproofs). When you sign up you'll also receive a full packing list, and discount codes for some retailers.

Accommodation in the Rjukan Ice Climbers hostel (called Dale Skole).

Technical equipment - helmet, harness, ice axes, crampons etc.

Transfers to/from airport & climbing areas.

Food - There is a supermarket nearby to the hostel, and most guests choose to cook together. There are also just a couple of takeaway options in the town, the most popular of which has pizzas.

Winter mountaineering boots (these can be rented from the hostel if needed for 250 NOK/£25). 

Rjukan Old School Hostel, Knut Dahlesvei 31, 3660 Rjukan, Norway 

Here is their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rjukanoldschoolhostel/ 

https://www.facebook.com/rjukanoldschoolhostel/

Most people are out climbing during the day, so if you arrive early, then feel free to put the kettle on, and make yourself at home - there's even a sauna for those who want to relax a little. You will have a course briefing in the evening at around 8 pm.

 Arrive at Rjukan Old School Hostel

Leave the hostel at 9 am for a full day ice climbing at a local venue. The focus is getting into the swing of it and developing good movement techniques. In the evening you will have an opportunity to enjoy a good meal with the other climbers.

 Ice Climbing at Ozzimosis

Leave the hostel for a full day of ice climbing. For those that want to, you'll be taught some more stuff such as; ice screw placement, building belays, moving forward.

Debrief and finish will be around 3 pm, in time for last flights home from Oslo.