Preparing for an Ice climbing adventure? Learn important factors to take into account before engaging the frozen peaks.
From crucial safety measures and mandatory gear requirements to essential skills training – equip yourself with vital information that will ensure a triumphant and secure expedition.
Snowshoeing or hiking through a snow-filled canyon to witness a stunning frozen waterfall is the ultimate winter adventure for some thrill-seekers.
However, certain thrill-seekers find something even more exhilarating: scaling those icy waterfalls armed only with spiked footwear and a duo of ice axes.
While it is not necessary to have rock climbing experience, some foundational knowledge about ice climbing is imperative before putting on your crampons. For beginners, enlisting the help of a guide and instructor would be wise. Although the activity itself may not present significant difficulty, being in isolated locations with harsh conditions increases riskiness- rendering fundamental know-how essential for safe participation.
“Despite its daunting reputation, ice climbing is accessible for all levels of experience,” assures James Walter, alpine guide at Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. He encourages beginners not to feel intimidated and simply focus on having fun. According to Walter, if you are capable of climbing a ladder then that’s enough skill level required for entry into the sport – it can be made more challenging from there on out; making starting as easy as possible! With four years’ guiding experience in Banff National Park under his belt, he has taught people with diverse backgrounds such as British Special Forces personnel and vacationing families alike the fundamentals of ice climbing.”
Ice Climbing Explained
Ice climbing involves ascending ice faces, similar to rock climbing. Typically done on frozen waterfalls for safety reasons, as the thickness of the ice can be guaranteed.
It is possible to climb a column that has formed from gradual drips but it’s not recommended. Similar to rock climbing, usually one person climbs while another belays from below.
Experienced climbers may also lead climb by drilling holes and placing temporary bolts in the ice along their ascent route whereas newcomers should have someone else like a guide set up top ropes for them before attempting any solo ascents.
Is climbing experience necessary?
Surprisingly, it’s true. Walter from Yamnuska Mountain Adventures claims that even those who have never worn a harness before can attempt ice climbing on their first go.
He believes that the primary obstacle for novice climbers is not physical aptitude but psychological barriers like falling or descending down icy terrain.
As an experienced guide, he not only imparts techniques to climb safely but also helps individuals overcome anxieties about relying on ropes and the frozen landscape.
Guides have the potential to do more than just instruct you on how to wield an ax; they are capable of assisting you in becoming at ease while skating and instilling enough faith in yourself and your gear so that you can truly welcome any obstacle.
Is Ice Climbing Safety Assured?
Ice climbing is considered to be a secure undertaking with minimal accidents, especially when guided by certified professionals.
Nonetheless, the outcomes of mishaps can have severe consequences. While novices are likely to encounter injuries from minor ice fragments that may scratch their noses – Walter advises practicing the act of bowing your head just before hitting the ice surface using an ax so that your helmet bears any impacts instead.
Infrequent yet hazardous potential risks are avalanches and ice falls. However, selecting the appropriate location of ice under favorable conditions with proper temperature can minimize these dangers.
A guide’s expertise is particularly valuable in this regard. Additionally, numerous regions have platforms dedicated to ice climbing discussion where mountaineers may share updates related to tracks similar to trail reports.
In Canada, Avalanche.ca serves as a platform for climbers that promotes monitoring and reporting condition updates.”
Does it require more effort than rock climbing?
The answer is subjective and depends on one’s proficiency in rock climbing. Expert climbers utilize their leg muscles to ascend while relying less on arm strength.
For such climbers, ice climbing might prove comparatively effortless since specially designed boots with crampons can easily grip the terrain without requiring them to scout for footholds as rigorously as they would during a rocky ascent.
Conversely, if you typically rely on your legs for physical activity, you may discover that ice climbing places a greater demand on your arms.
Your equipment will include an approximately 1.5-pound axe specifically designed for this pursuit; using it involves repeatedly dragging it back and forth to chop into the frozen surface as well as remove it before advancing upward again.
Novice climbers might encounter additional fatigue whilst seeking a dependable location in which to insert one of their axes for support while utilizing the other hand simultaneously is less strenuous when rock climbing since both hands can usually maintain contact with solid ground throughout the ascent process.
Which type of shoes are suitable for ice climbing?
If you’re an inexperienced ice climber accompanied by a guide, there’s no need to fret over what type of shoes you wear.
Your guiding company will typically supply tall, sturdy and waterproof mountaineering boots that provide more comfort than climbing shoes and fit like spacious hiking boots (remember to also don high socks).
Additionally, metal crampons fitted at the bottom of your boots are mandatory for safe navigation up icy formations; however leaving them on all day can lend extra support while traversing or hiking towards climb locations.
Tips for first-time Ice climbers?
In addition to avoiding small ice fragments by keeping your head down, there are several suggestions you can keep in mind during climbing:
Attempt to keep your feet spread out evenly when you halt, in order to ease the tension in your muscles.
Instead of relying on your arms, attempt to ascend using your legs. Visualize yourself as an inchworm scaling the wall – this could significantly assist you in achieving success.
Keep your feet level and perpendicular to the ice for optimal results. Directly placing your toes onto the surface will provide you with superior traction while expending minimal physical energy.
If you haven’t experienced falling while on belay, it’s advisable to practice taking some falls close to the ground. In case of anxiety, communicate with your belayer and request them to maintain a relatively taut rope instead of slackening it.
To prevent arm cramping, ensure your ax is securely lodged in the ice and shake out your arms a few times while you’re in the middle of climbing.
