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Moving into glacier guiding requires much more than technical ability alone, and this preparation course is designed to help aspiring guides build the foundations needed before attending the AIMG Jökla 1 assessment. Combining practical glacier skills with rope systems, rescue techniques and ice movement, the course provides a structured introduction to the demands of professional glacier work in Iceland.
Training takes place on glaciers in southeast Iceland, where participants spend time learning the core systems commonly used in glacier guiding environments. Sessions focus heavily on practical ropework and movement skills, helping students become familiar with technical equipment while understanding how glacier terrain behaves and changes. Instruction covers knot work, pulley systems, crampon techniques, anchor building and rope ascension, with plenty of hands-on repetition throughout the course.
Alongside the technical elements, participants are introduced to rudimentary glaciology and the wider responsibilities involved in working within glacier environments. Crevasse rescue systems and glacier safety form a major part of the training, helping students understand both the practical and decision-making side of guiding. Basic ice climbing techniques are also included, with instruction adapted to individual experience levels and progression throughout the course.
Daniel and the instructional team provide detailed personal feedback during the programme, helping participants identify areas they should continue developing before moving towards the Jökla 1 assessment. Although this course creates a strong foundation, students are encouraged to continue practising regularly on glaciers afterwards, especially if there will be a gap before attending future guide training courses.
Southeast Iceland provides one of the most active glacier training environments in Europe, with enormous ice caps, volcanic landscapes and constantly changing glacier terrain creating an ideal setting for guide development. Training areas around the region offer access to crevasses, ice formations and varied glacier features that allow students to experience realistic conditions while building technical skills in a controlled environment.
Beyond the glacier itself, the surrounding region is known for dramatic mountain scenery, black sand plains and remote valleys shaped by ice and volcanic activity. Weather conditions can shift quickly, giving participants valuable experience working in the same type of environment professional glacier guides regularly encounter throughout the Icelandic guiding season.
This course is intended for people who already have outdoor experience and a general understanding of climbing equipment. While it is considered an entry-level preparation course, participants should arrive comfortable spending time outdoors in mountain environments and ready to engage with technical systems throughout the training.
Previous glacier experience is not essential, but an interest in progressing towards professional guiding is strongly recommended. Participants should also understand that further personal practice and continued glacier experience will be important before attending the full Jökla 1 assessment course.
Instruction is delivered by guides with extensive experience working and teaching in Icelandic glacier environments, combining professional guiding backgrounds with a strong focus on education and long-term progression. Daniel and Svanhvít both work closely within Iceland’s guiding and instructional community, bringing real industry knowledge into every part of the course.
Small training groups allow instructors to give detailed personal feedback while adapting teaching to each participant’s background and confidence level. Rather than rushing through technical systems, the focus remains on building genuine understanding, safe habits and practical skills that students can continue developing after the course ends.
This course is designed as an introduction to glacier guiding systems, but participants should already have some outdoor experience and a basic understanding of climbing equipment. It is aimed at people interested in progressing into guiding rather than those completely new to mountain environments.
You do not need previous glacier guiding experience to attend. Instruction starts with the fundamentals and gradually builds towards more advanced rope systems, rescue techniques and glacier travel skills over the duration of the course.
The AIMG Jökla 1 course is an Icelandic glacier guide qualification pathway used by aspiring glacier guides in Iceland. Before attending the assessment, participants are expected to already understand core rope systems, glacier movement and technical equipment.
This preparation course is specifically designed to help students develop those foundations beforehand. It provides structured training and practical experience that can help participants arrive better prepared for future guide training.
Much of the training takes place directly on glacier terrain, allowing participants to practise systems in realistic environments rather than only learning them theoretically. This includes movement techniques, rescue systems, ropework and ice climbing practice.
In severe weather conditions, some sessions may move indoors where possible to continue technical instruction safely. Even during indoor sessions, the focus remains practical and skills-based rather than classroom-heavy.
Participants will receive a detailed equipment list before the course begins. Suitable mountain clothing, mountaineering boots and personal technical equipment will be required for glacier travel and ice work.
Some participants may already own climbing equipment while others may need to rent or source gear before arrival. Guidance can be provided regarding appropriate equipment for the course and future glacier training.
Training days can be physically demanding due to cold conditions, glacier travel and long periods working outside while carrying equipment. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended so participants can move comfortably on uneven glacier terrain.
The course focuses more on technical understanding and efficiency than athletic performance alone. Taking time to move carefully and manage systems correctly is prioritised over speed throughout the training.
This preparation course does not provide an official guiding certification. Instead, it is designed to help students build the knowledge and practical experience needed before progressing towards the AIMG Jökla 1 course.
Participants receive feedback from instructors throughout the programme regarding their strengths, progression and areas requiring further development before continuing into professional glacier guide assessments.
About the centre
Öræfi , Iceland
Operated by Pict Expeditions, a partner of adventuro.
