One of the many things that make ice climbing a unique form of climbing is that it combines intensity and determination with the allure of extreme winter sports!
This article will showcase all the key considerations and information you need to know in order to start ice climbing. Let’s dive in!
How to Start Ice Climbing
Here are the 3 primary steps to get yourself started in ice climbing:
1. Pick the Ideal Time and Place
In many cases, winter is the ideal time for ice climbing because the ice is solid enough to sustain your weight. However, there are plenty of places where it’s more suitable in the summer than in winter, especially up north.
There are also plenty of parks and mountains around the country where you can learn and practice ice climbing. Pick one that is popular for being easy for starters and have low-level sloping.
2. Buy The Necessary Equipment
Everything from what you wear to what you use while ice climbing will have a great impact on your technique and climbing abilities, so you have to pick the best gear for the job. I’ll detail some must-have items in the next section.
3. Hire an Ice Climbing Guide
Although this step is optional, I strongly recommend that you look for a professional local ice climbing guide to take you through the first.
In fact, any mountain-related activity would benefit from one. Since ice climbing combines the harsh terrain and the element of extreme activity, having a guide is even more critical through your first few times.
Ice Climbing Techniques
As previously mentioned, a good ice climbing guide will teach you how to climb safely and find the most suitable technique for you. Here’s a brief overview of the different ice climbing techniques you’ll come across:
Flat Footing
Also known as the “French Technique”. In this technique, you keep your crampons on the snow and engage fully with the bottom points rather than kicking them, hence the name.
This one delivers plenty of traction that allows you to move upwards easily, which is why this technique is ideal for low-angle sloped and level climbs.
Front Pointing
Similar to the previous one, this one is also known as the “German Technique”. As you can probably suggest, this one adopts a “kick and step” style rather than fully engaging your crampons at all points.
Since this one requires fewer points of contact, it’s more suitable for vertical ice climbing.
Triangle Position
The triangle position is an advanced technique for steep climbing. In this technique, the feet should be wider than your shoulder width with slightly bent knees, giving you enough weight to push the front points into the ice.
Hybrid Technique
In this one, the top foot engages the ice through front-pointing while the bottom stays flat, which is an excellent method to transition from level to steep ice by giving more security to the stabilizing foot and reducing strain on the pushing one.
What Equipment Do You Need for Ice Climbing?
The equipment used in Ice climbing is the essence of the activity as well as safety. There are many common items between rock climbing and ice climbing.
So, if you have been rock climbing or planning to try that too, this should be great news. Here is a quick look at the most essential tools and equipment while ice climbing:
- Proper Clothing: You’ll climb in snowy conditions, so you have to properly layer so that you stay warm without hindering your maneuverability
- Climbing Boots and Crampons: the most critical item for ice climbing. they’re spikes that you add to your boots to help you kick and stabilize yourself into the ice.
- Ice Axe: The other critical part of climbing the ice is the axe you use to stabilize your upper body into the ice. More like crampons do but to your arms.
- Ice Screws: They are used as anchor points for climbing and also additional protection points from falling.
- Ropes: Ice climbing uses a special rope that stays flexible in cold weather, so rock climbing ones may not work.
- A Helmet: Your rock climbing helmet will do the job as well as any kind of helmet for head safety.
- Harnesses: Essential for safety and connection with your climbing partners and guides.
Luckily, you don’t have to go on a shopping spree and buy all these items before you ice climb, as most ice climbing guides will also offer them for rental, averaging $30 to $80 per day.
Tips to Progress in Ice Climbing
After a few successful rounds of ice climbing, you might want to progress to the next level. Here are tips to help you process in ice climbing:
- Try out different ice climbing techniques and learn how to implement the right technique for each situation and ice terrain
- Train your body to be ambidextrous, so you can handle any awkward position comfortably
- Find out more about ice climbing gear and upgrade your current one to a premium one
- Do weightlifting and strength training to gain more power while climbing
- Practice rock climbing off-season because it’s quite similar, so you can improve your technique all year round
- Understand the value of downclimbing to safety and learn how to master it
How Safe is Ice Climbing?
Ice climbing is categorized as a relatively dangerous sport because it includes various risk factors, such as:
- Risk of falling
- Cold temperature
- Natural hazards like avalanche and icefall
- Physical injuries
However, many factors can make it less risky, such as climbing with a group or with an expert friend, climbing in popular spots as well as hiring guides and experts.
Top Ice Climbing Spots in North America
Now that you know more about ice climbing, here are some of the top spots to go ice climbing:
- Ouray Ice Park – Colorado, USA
- Valdez – Alaska, USA
- Helmcken Falls – British Columbia, Canada
- Sandstone Ice Park – Minnesota, USA
- Frankenstein Crawford Notch – New Hampshire, USA
Wrap Up
There you have it! A brief guide that walks you through everything you need to get started at ice climbing.