Ice climbing may not be everybody's idea of a fun day out where you smash ice up a frozen waterfall. It does sound somewhat intense, right? But if you give it a try, there's no disputing that it's insanely entertaining! This is an adventure that many daredevils might wish to take, climbing amid stunning surroundings and surrounded by sparkling ice.
How does ice climbing work?
The activity of scaling frozen water landscapes is known as ice climbing. Depending on the geography and temperature, ice climbing can occur at heights between a few meters and several hundred meters high alpine climbing. There are various ice forms, including hard, soft, and plastic.
You climb the ice by kicking and swinging on slopes that can be as steep as a 50-degree angle while using crampons affixed to boots for stable foot placements and ice tools, such as ice axes or ice picks, for secure hand placements.
You are protected by ropes, and a leading climber will utilize ice screws to protect you as they advance.
Although it may seem simple to merely pound off at the ice with your ice picks and crampons, it takes some skill to make it simpler and use less energy. When ice climbing, energy conservation is crucial!
Why do people ice climb?
Mountaineering is the sport that gave rise to ice climbing. People rapidly devised techniques to climb frozen areas because people commonly encounter ice on mountains. It has since grown significantly and is now considered its sport.
Ice climbing mixes the breathtaking beauty of being outside with the difficulty of climbing a medium that constantly changes. A distinctive characteristic of other climbing techniques like rock climbing is the ability of the ice to vary, grow, and shrink during the day.
Ice climbing is completely safe, just like all other types of roped climbing, as long as all safety precautions are taken and the surroundings and the purpose of your activity are respected. Unfortunately, avalanches are just one of a few environmental dangers (objective hazards) that come with engaging in any wintertime activity in the wilderness.
Naturally, accidents and catastrophes occur in any activity, but they never occur more frequently than in all the other conventional sports that are performed. When accidents do happen, human error is almost invariably to blame. Technical gear failure is essentially nonexistent in current conditions because these days, the protective gear and climbing gear is constructed considerably above the minimum safety requirements.
Since you have sharp points linked to every one of your limbs, you may wonder if you can get stabbed by yourself. Although it's a possibility, it's also quite uncommon.
You would always start on a top rope configuration. This means that if you plummet, the climbing rope, which is being handled by your belayer using a belay device, will run to the anchored part above you and promptly catch you. It is extremely safe to try it out because this is true for practically all climbing techniques.
Is ice climbing difficult?
Ice climbing is something that both men and women of all ages may do, though you must possess a basic level of fitness before you start.
The ice tools must be swung, but the technique is more important than strength. Using force will quickly wear you out. The handles on the ice tools are the appropriate size, making it simple to hold onto them. The technique makes up the rest. It's all about getting the correct force needed for a stick without wasting energy. Trying to swing with the equipment, kicking with the feet. If you know a few common techniques, such as the French and German techniques, you will have a better start.
You should be in good general health and have strong cardiovascular fitness to start. You must hike or maneuver through steep terrain to reach some ice climbs. And there is only one way to properly become "ice climbing fit"—start ice climbing!
Ice Climbing tips for first timers
Apart from the right fitness level, the key to enjoying and staying safe while ice climbing is having strong technique and understanding the ins and outs of it.
Here are some pointers for getting started:
Hire a guide or go with an experienced companion
If you travel with guides, your first time may be particularly enjoyable and laid back. Despite your skill levels, you get a good introduction to ice climbing and its basic techniques. America, Europe, and New Zealand all have numerous ice-climbing locations. To discover the nearest one, simply conduct a Google search for your state or nation. Winter is the perfect season to do it, of course!
Remain warm
Be sure to stay warm to make it pleasurable! Have a decent puffy down jacket, and dress in layers as you would do in the winter months(base, mid, outer). Be certain to keep the hands and legs moving as well. Extend your hands and wiggle your toes. Have hot beverages in a thermos on hand and chocolate and candies for instant warming.
Remain hydrated
It's crucial to maintain hydration intake. You will lose liquids more quickly in cold weather conditions or ice conditions than at ambient temperature.
If you do not own a flask, use a bottle with water at room temperature that you can drink first and fill another bottle with hot water for use later.
Pack plenty of gloves
Bring several pairs of gloves, please. It is good to have 2-3 outer garments and 2 liners. Put everything you aren't wearing in your outerwear to keep it warm and dry. Remember that the thinner pair is better for climbing since it makes it simpler to grasp onto the ice tool. The thicker pair makes it difficult to have a good grip on the ice tool.
Pay attention to that tactic
If you are taking a guided tour, experienced ice climbers will explain the entire procedure and assist you with your climbing styles. Be it the French or German technique, they help you through basic climbing techniques and help you enjoy the beauty of ice climbing.
Wear a helmet, and be aware of the ice
When pieces of ice fall, you can easily identify experienced ice climbers from beginners. A skilled driver will keep their eyes straight ahead, allowing the helmet to deflect the ice. A novice stares downward.
Final words on Ice climbing
Tourist with equipment climbing snowy mountain in winter
It can be intimidating for even advanced climbers or seasoned ice climbers to attempt ice climbing or mixed climbing for the first time. However, it's engaging and amusing after you get past the initial nervousness. Always try to keep your body and hands as relaxed as possible. To keep the blood circulating, periodically shake the thumb after opening the ice tool. Also, remember to breathe!
It comes with a learning curve, like with all climbing techniques including mixed climbs. Don't worry about attempting to appear competent or attractive. There is no judgment going on because we all began thrashing around awkwardly. Just enjoy yourself and the journey!
Another positive aspect of ice climbing is getting outside and taking in the scenery. You get a fantastic workout, have fun, and step outside your comfort bubble. So why are you still waiting? Go ice climbing today to try something new!
Hi, my name is Kevin Macey, and I decided to set up this site Super Sherpas, as an extension of my love for the outdoors. Through this site, I hope to reach a wider audience of people to encourage them to explore nature and get their bodies moving outside.
