What Is Ice Climbing?

Ice climbing is exhilarating; providing endless thrills and second by second excitement every time. Scaling straight up a vertical ice wall challenges your strength, agility and mental fortitude every step.

The venue

Ice climbing is divided into two types of ice. The first is alpine ice or mountain ice and means a trek up a mountain for the perfect ice climbing ascent. Water ice refers to climbing some frozen feature such as a waterfall that is often approached from the acme or the base. Alpine ice generally is the more extreme challenge since most ascents require setting safety ropes as you go up. Both types require attention to the details and great discipline and preparation.

The basics of ice climbing

Ice climbing involves using special climbing shoes with crampons on the toes along with an ice ax to provide the climber with traction for the climb. The lead or lone climber uses ice screws for safety on the way up to provide a way to set safety ropes in the event of a slip.

Is ice climbing for you?

Ice climbing on vertical surfaces should is only for the seasoned climber looking to add to the climbing experience. If you want to delve into ice climbing find some qualified and seasoned ice climbers to learn the methods and climb with others until you feel prepared and able to attempt a solo ascent on ice.

Ice climbing is an elite sport for the savvy climber. The personal rewards are great, including spectacular winter vistas and personal satisfaction of overcoming the elements and the challenges.