Glacier Guiding skills is a 3 day - course and held in Skaftafell National Park, where the basic requirements to become a glacier guide under the standards of the AIMG are taught. The location is the same as the Hard Ice 1 so it will help you in getting to know the area for further courses with AIMG. 

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The course is divided in two main skill-building: we want to build knowledge in glaciology, understanding in terrain analysis and then rope knowledge & understanding of all gear that a guide would carry. 

Every day we will head to different glaciers of the area to practice the hard skills of crampons techniques, rope work of ascending and rappelling from a rope and crevasse rescue exercises.

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The goal of this course is to form you as a critical thinking guide; to be safe in the glacier environment and build enough knowledge to continue learning skills towards becoming a certified glacier guide. 

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The course is also built for outdoor enthusiasts who seek more knowledge in a new field, not necessarily aiming to become a professional guide; the course accommodates both interests, switching focus between guide approach and outdoor person giving both candidates tools to understand where and what is safe to explore on glaciers.

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The course covers the following topics:

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• Gear specs and knots (click to practice)

• Glaciology and risks assessment 

• Crampons techniques

• Ascending and rapelling 

• Anchors on ice 

• Introduction to crevasse rescue

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Participants must meet at least these prerequisites:

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• Have prior outdoor experience 

• General fitness to hike with 8kg backpack

• Eager to learn new skills

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The instructors will give constructive feedback to each participant and make a personal path of growth towards the final goal of becoming a glacier guide.

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After completing this course, participants will be eligible to apply for "Hard Ice 1 guide course" (jokla 1) after spending enough days on ice and practiced the learnt techniques; our recommendation is to take this course one month prior your Jokla 1 course.

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Attached here you can find the Program and gear needed for this course.

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Each participant is responsible for his/her accommodation and transportation during the course. We recommend Svinafell campsite where you can rent a room for a good price and minimise the drive time each day (svinafell@svinafell.com).  

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Min students 3, max 8.

Next course dates:

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23th - 24th - 25th April 2027 - Skaftafell

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Send your registration through the form below. ​

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Price is 79.000 ISK per person

non refundable once paid; you can change the transfer the fee to the next available dates or to another of our courses. 

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This course is refundable from your Union if you live in Iceland. 

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