The ice-type in Pokémon has a reputation for being weak. However, this is a misconception in many cases, as some gym leaders have shown. Ice can provide some high defenses and fast attacks that leave you frozen in your tracks, often literally. Ice often finds itself as the favorite of later-game gym leaders, so most specialists are pretty powerful in their respective leagues, as opposed to rock and bug, which are often relegated to early-game gyms.
Despite its lack of resistances (ice only resists itself), ice-type trainers can focus on delivering high damage with attacks that are super effective against grass, flying, dragon, and ground (all common types). Pair some really strong moves in the pool of ice-type attacks with some of the ice-type's super-high defense stats, and you've got a recipe for a strong challenge.
With that said, some are definitely more difficult than others. Here are all of the ice-type gym leaders, ranked by the difficulty of their original fights (no sequels, rematches, or remakes).
5 Pryce
The Generation I games didn't feature an ice-type gym leader, instead featuring Lorelei in the Elite 4. The first ice-type gym players will encounter is Pryce in Johto's Mahogany Town. He'll be the second-to-last member of the league before you take on Clair, the dreaded dragon-type specialist.
Much like most seventh-gym leaders, Pryce is a bit of a challenge. But, compared to his icy counterparts, he's a bit of a pushover. Johto is filled with several fantastic counters in ice's weaknesses of fire, rock, steel, and fighting. By this point in the game, most players should have a well-rounded enough team to take Pryce down easy-peasy.
Pryce runs a Seel, Dewgong, and Piloswine. While the first two will go down easy to a quick Thunderbolt, the Piloswine is immune, so make sure to bring a fighting-type or some grass moves.
4 Brycen
The Icirrus gym leader in Generation V is not much to fear. Ice's several common weaknesses make Brycen vulnerable to many readily-available attacks. Just grab yourself a Gurdurr in Twist Mountain nearby, train it up, and use it to break all that ice with ease.
The one Pokémon on Brycen's roster you might have some issues with is his Beartic. It has a pretty decent defense stat and can make quick work of you if you're not careful or prepared. It can also be seen literally picking up a Gigalith and throwing it in the 13th episode of Pokémon Generations, which is honestly very terrifying.
But, this is the extent of the fear that Brycen should strike into you. The Generation V games give you plenty of access to fighting- and fire-types, so an ice challenge can only pose so much trouble before you shatter it and move on through.
3 Melony
This Galar leader is exclusive to Pokémon Shield, so Sword players will not meet this frosty lass. Instead, Sword players will fight her son, Gordie, who uses rock-types. Heading up Circhester's gym, Melony is a decent opponent. She lands in the middle of this list because she isn't insanely difficult, but she isn't a pushover either.
Melony has a pretty nice team, with a Darmanitan and Gigantamax Lapras to throw you some trouble. However, the real challenge comes with her Eiscue and its Ice Face ability. This ability gives Melony a free hit against you, as you'll have to knock away Eiscue's icy visage with your first physical attack before being able to do any physical damage. Plus, if she sets up Hail, it'll restore the ice block and you'll have to break it again.
Don't worry though — this ability doesn't block damage from special moves. If you come prepared, you'll be able to take it down without having to knock the dreaded ice face away repeatedly.
2 Wulfric
This Snowbelle resident is a force to be reckoned with. As the final gym leader before the Elite 4 and champion, Wulfric is ready to be the wall between you and Kalos League glory. This hefty guy will set up hail with his first Pokémon's ability — Abomasnow's Snow Warning. This will give him an immediate damage boost for the next few turns, as the hail will buffet you each turn if you aren't an ice-type yourself.
From here, you'll have to take down his high-leveled Cryogonal and Avalugg, the latter of which has a Defense stat that will knock the wind out of you. Keep plugging away at its defenses, and maybe try to inflict some status conditions, and this tanky iceberg Pokémon will go down for good.
Wulfric is a bit of a challenge compared to many of his colleagues on this list, but he isn't the hardest ice-type specialist you'll come across. This burly man is only slightly less scary than a small girl with pigtails, amazingly.
1 Candice
Don't let this cute face and some pigtail braids fool you. Candice is a brick wall that will give you a serious challenge if you're not prepared. Her team is the only thing between you and your seventh Sinnoh league badge, and they won't give it up easily.
Candice's team features both a Sneasel and Abomasnow, both of which don't mess around with taking you down however they can. Sneasel is quick, and Abomasnow is powerful. The latter's Wood Hammer and Avalanche moves are sure to make quick work of you if you aren't fast on your feet. Add in a surprise Medicham to wipe out your rock- and steel-types, and you're in trouble.
A host of players have taken to forums around the internet to bemoan the difficulty of this fight. It seems easy enough, but you'll soon find yourself struggling to keep up with this feisty girl. Add in a lack of good fire types in the original Sinnoh games, and you're not positioned well heading into this challenge.