ICE CLIMBING FOR BEGINNERS: REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND TIPS

Ice climbing is a risky sport that mixes adventure with adrenaline and the chance to see beautiful places. It’s said to be a high mountain activity where you climb huge blocks of ice to enjoy a unique ascent.
Let’s say that not just anyone can start ice climbing, it’s about having the right preparation to do it properly. Because only in this way will you find the safest way to advance in mixed terrain. Let’s see how to do Ice climbing for beginners!

How to go ice climbing?

If you are going to venture into this type of climbing, the first question that will surely arise is how to climb on ice.
To make the climb an unforgettable experience, before learning about ice climbing techniques, you should know that checking the means of transport, timetables, weather, and means of ascent of the different ice climbing routes will be key.

Waterfalls

When we talk about climbing, icefalls are the clearest example and the first thing that comes to mind.
These are a winter favorite and can vary in size and thickness, with the perfect places to find them being high mountain ranges. To climb them safely, it’s essential to check that the base of the column is completely anchored to the ground.

Glaciers

Another perfect place for climbing is on glaciers, which are usually very solid.
They will be a safe place because they are permanent ice and have been there for many years. The best thing is that it allows any ice adventurer to climb at any time of the year.

Corridors

The corridors are so called because they are ice located between rock walls, and their main characteristic is the safety of walking on the rock.
You should know that corridors are not available all year round, but it can be an excellent opportunity to do mixed climbing, using different types of techniques.

Ice climbing equipment: crampons and ice tools

As in any kind of activity, you should always take into account the basic equipment you need to have, in the case of ice climbing, the equipment is this:

• Ice climbing gloves, which are essential for climbing correctly and without difficulties.
• Boot for ice climbing, which must be light and rigid, and above all, adjusted to the foot.
• Mountain helmet, which must be light and with a head harness.
• The harness, should not be confused with the rock climbing harness, as it has a stitched band on the outside that will allow carabiners, ice screw holders, and ice axe holders to be attached.
• A warm down or synthetic parka.
• Softshell technology for greater mobility.
• Ice axes, ice screws, screw holders, carabiners, double ropes.
• First aid kit.

Tips for maximum protection in ice climbing technique

To make sure that everything goes smoothly on your ice climb, the best thing to do is not only to have all the equipment, but also to consider the following tips for maximum safety:

• It’s very important to be able to assess the resistance of the ice, as its hardness can change from one day to the next. The main factors to consider are the temperature of the ice, whether the sun is shining directly on it, and the sound of running water.
• It will be essential to be able to read the steps to be taken to anticipate difficulties and thus be able to place good insurance beforehand.
• A good ice climber is a person who has a good level of imagination. It is best to think that there are ice columns that hold more than three bolts together, so passing a tape will be much easier.
• Remember that not all bolts are the same and your climbing needs will be different. You must always carry a variety of bolts so that you have different alternatives to hand.
• The abalakov kit, also known as the ice triangle, will allow you to have a belay and a belay with just one rope.

Now that you know how to ice climb, the equipment you will need, and some safety tips, you are ready to embark on an adventure next winter or on your next holiday.

Of course, we highly recommend that you take some ice climbing courses, to become an experienced climber and enjoy this extreme sport.

Because ice climbing is an amazing activity that not only connects you with yourself and your abilities but also with nature, see you next time!