Ice Climber is a game where players must climb their way to the top of 32 different mountains with the help of a mallet. The journey takes them through eight levels of platforms and a bonus stage at the top. However, they are not alone in their quest as they face various creatures such as polar bears and condors, along with treacherous landscapes that include falling icicles, moving platforms, and icy floors.
The gameplay involves using the mallet to knock out enemies and break away bricks on the platforms to create a path for climbing. Players can also use the mallet to destroy certain obstacles in the environment, giving them more room to jump to higher levels. As players progress through the mountains, each level becomes increasingly challenging.