The Ice Factor

Welcome to The Ice Factor

Based in Kinlochleven, in the Highlands of Scotland, we have the largest indoor rock climbing wall in the world. With us you can enjoy the exhilarating sport of indoor ice climbing with a 50ft wall and an incredible 500 tonnes of real snow. It´s the perfect place to learn new skills, practise existing ones, and train in all aspects of ice climbing, and all of the routes on the wall have been shaped by hand to give an authentic ice climbing experience. We carefully control the temperature to keep the area below zero, and recreate the natural 'freeze/thaw' cycle, so the snow turns into hard packed, compressed snow, which is suitable for climbing on. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced climber, with our wide range of routes we will have something to suit you.

We also have rock and bouldering walls for indoor rock climbing. Again whether you are a complete beginner or more experienced we have a range of routes to suit everyone, and provide a challenging and enjoyable climb.

We also run a variety of courses, including:

• Winter Walking/Winter Skills Course
• WInter Mountaineering and Ice Climbing
• Outdoor Rock Climbing
• Classic Ridges and Scrambles Course

We usually keep our groups sizes small, with 6 people to 1 instructor, so you get all of the attention you need and we can make sure you learn all of the skills you need to be safe and competent in the outdoors. They are also suitable for those that might want to refresh existing skills. Our team of instructors are all well qualified and experienced, and have taught a wide range of people how to improve at this exciting sports.












Winter Hillwalking, Mountaineering and Climbing in Scotland can give you some fantastically rewarding days on the hill, whatever the weather. Whilst sunny days, cloud inversions and crisp snow underfoot have obvious attractions, battling your way up a climb in blizzard conditions can also provide satisfaction – even if it is in retrospect from the warmth of the bar!

To make your day out safe the summer hillwalker/mountaineer needs an expanded ‘toolbox’ of skills. Whether you are a summer walker looking to get out in winter, a winter walker looking to refresh their skills or move onto steeper ground,  or a first time winter climber Ice Factor instructors can provide something for you. Our courses are divided into Winter Mountaincraft (Introduction to and Advanced) and Winter Climbing (see below).
Open courses

Open courses are where an individual books onto a course with dates offered by us and will find themselves parwt of a group with similar experience and aims. Please note, we require a minimum of 2 people booked into open Mountaincraft/Advanced mountaincraft courses to make them financially viable. If you are the only person booked in to the course you will receive a full refund 1 week before the course date/the option of paying a single person supplement.
Private courses

Private courses are just that, you have paid for a private instructor at dates of your choosing. By paying a little more you know that the course will be all about your needs and will move at your pace.





, located in Kinlochleven, is one of the world´s premiere indoor ice climbing gyms. The gym is open 364 days a year. There are 4 main areas in the gym called:

• Indoor Bouldering Area
• Main Rock Climbing Arena
• The Instruction Bay
• The Indoor Ice Climbing Arena

The bouldering area has a number of different difficult problems to solve. The main rock wall has a 15 meter high overhang section. The instruction bay features a large freeform area. The indoor ice climbing arena features 25 lines or different grades. The gym also has a café that serves coffee and light snacks. All of these things are in an environment where people can get professional lessons and coaching in a friendly environment.

Contact The Ice Factor today and go experience ice climbing.

Welcome to The Ice Factor

Based in Kinlochleven, in the Highlands of Scotland, we have the largest indoor rock climbing wall in the world. With us you can enjoy the exhilarating sport of indoor ice climbing with a 50ft wall and an incredible 500 tonnes of real snow. It´s the perfect place to learn new skills, practise existing ones, and train in all aspects of ice climbing, and all of the routes on the wall have been shaped by hand to give an authentic ice climbing experience. We carefully control the temperature to keep the area below zero, and recreate the natural 'freeze/thaw' cycle, so the snow turns into hard packed, compressed snow, which is suitable for climbing on. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced climber, with our wide range of routes we will have something to suit you.

We also have rock and bouldering walls for indoor rock climbing. Again whether you are a complete beginner or more experienced we have a range of routes to suit everyone, and provide a challenging and enjoyable climb.

We also run a variety of courses, including WInter Mountaineering and Ice Climbing and Outdoor Rock Climbing.

We usually keep our groups sizes small, with 6 people to 1 instructor, so you get all of the attention you need and we can make sure you learn all of the skills you need to be safe and competent in the outdoors. They are also suitable for those that might want to refresh existing skills. Our team of instructors are all well qualified and experienced, and have taught a wide range of people how to improve at this exciting sports.

Welcome to The Ice Factor Hiking

We are an outdoor activity centre based in Kinlochleven, in the Highlands of Scotland.

We run a Winter Walking/Winter Skills Course, which is designed with for people who want to learn the relevant skills for walking safely during winter, and is perfect for summer walkers who want to try this activity during the colder months. They are also suitable for those that might want to refresh existing skills.

We usually keep our groups sizes small, with 6 people to 1 instructor, so you get all of the attention you need and we can make sure you learn all of the skills you need to be safe and competent in the outdoors. Our team of instructors are all well qualified and experienced, and have taught a wide range of people how to improve at this exciting sport.

Topics we will cover during the course include:

• Equipment
• Weather and Preparation
• Planning your day
• Snowcraft and the use of the Ice Axe
• Crampon selection and use
• Navigation and route planning
• Response to emergencies

Courses may be tailored depending on the experience of the group, please contact us for more information.