about us…
As well as being the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world, The Ice Factor features the UK's largest articulated rock climbing wall and a competition-standard bouldering hall, making it the perfect place to practise, train and learn every conceivable mountaineering skill.
There are even things to do for people who have never set foot on a mountain!
We are designated as the Mountaineering Council for Scotland's Regional Centre of Excellence and the National Centre for Ice Climbing. In addition to some of the best indoor climbing facilities in the country its other main features are:
- Specialist outdoor equipment shop
- Cafeteria and restaurant (groups and clubs catered for)
- Cosy Climbers Bar
- Drying Room
- Conferencing Facilities
- Medical and climbing courses
- Sauna and steam room
- Mobile Ice Wall (contact Company Director)
- Consultancy services on artificial Ice Structures and Climbing Walls
You will find The Ice Factor in the village of Kinlochleven, nestling between the world-famous Ben Nevis and Glencoe mountain ranges, just 10 minutes drive from Glencoe and half an hour from Fort William.
Our Staff
All our staff (from the least to the most qualified) share a love of climbing and mountaineering and introducing others to these experiences. The team are always out on their days off, new routing, exploring classics all around the UK or planning trips to climbing venues at home and abroad. We come from a broad church of climbing, boulderers, munro baggers, hot rock jocks, trad. Mountaineers, those with a preference for pure ice or hard mixed climbing and bolt clippers but like most climbers, most of us enjoy trying most of these types of climbing. Most of the staff are engaged in progressing up the ladder of UK mountain training qualifications (a lengthy and expensive process) so they are always keen to get on the hill or talk about hints, tips, tricks, routes and conditions.
Many of them have given up former (often far more lucrative) careers in areas as far apart as Marketing, Bar Management, Rope Access and Aeronautical Engineering.
Our Area
From our base in Kinlochleven, set in the midst of some of the Country’s most outstanding mountain, lochs and glens scenery (6 miles from Glencoe and 14 miles from Fort William/Ben Nevis) we provide a huge spread of adventure activities in the Highlands from our multi award winning £3.5 million, 4 Star Visit Scotland and A.A.L.A accredited facility.