Mission
USA Ice Climbing is committed to growing ice climbing, mixed climbing, and drytooling across the United States by supporting athletes, building a strong competitive circuit, and advocating for the sport's future on the world stage — including its inclusion in the Olympic Games.
About Us
USA Ice Climbing (USAIC) is the national governing body for competitive ice climbing, mixed climbing, and drytooling in the United States. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to growing and advancing these sports at every level — from grassroots participation to elite international competition.
We support American athletes with essential resources including training opportunities, financial assistance, high-quality competition experiences, and rigorous safety standards. USAIC proudly represents the United States on the global stage.
Our work focuses on:
- Developing a strong annual U.S. competition circuit
- Establishing consistent World Cup–level events on American soil
- Representing the United States in international competitions
- Expanding acceptance of indoor drytooling in climbing gyms nationwide
- Advocating for ice climbing's inclusion in the Olympic Games
Through leadership, collaboration, and a shared passion for the sport, USA Ice Climbing inspires climbers of all backgrounds and elevates ice, mixed, and drytooling to new heights of excellence, safety, and global recognition.
Our Values
Excellence
We strive for excellence in competition, training, and representation of our athletes.
Community
We build and support a welcoming community of climbers at all skill levels and backgrounds.
Growth
We champion the growth of ice climbing and its recognition as an Olympic sport.
UIAA Associate Member
USA Ice Climbing is an associate member of the UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation. USAIC has been an associate member of the UIAA since Jan 1, 2026.
The UIAA, based in Bern, Switzerland, was founded in 1932 and has a global presence on six continents representing nearly 100 member associations and federations in over 70 countries. The UIAA has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1995 as the international federation representing mountaineering and climbing. The federation is committed to upholding the Olympic values and creating a better world through sport.
The UIAA promotes the growth and protection of mountaineering and climbing worldwide by:
- Preserving their spirit and traditions
- Advanced safe and ethical mountain practices
- Promoting responsible access, culture and environmental protection
- Supporting youth participation and the Olympic movement
The UIAA fulfils its Mission Statement mainly through the work of its Commissions, which make recommendations, set policy and advocate on behalf of the international mountaineering community. UIAA Commissions are comprised of experts in their field. The UIAA operates through the following Commissions: Anti-Doping / Legal Affairs / Medical / Mountaineering / Mountain Protection / Safety / Training / Youth
Get in Touch
Have questions about USA Ice Climbing, interested in sponsorship opportunities, or want to learn more about how you can get involved?
usaiceclimbing@gmail.com