| ain climbing locations vary in altitude but many of | | | | and double rope ascents are still used but ice screws |
| them are in of sub zero temperatures. There are | | | | are commonly used. Ice screws are hollow tubes that |
| different techniques required for climbing in ice | | | | have teeth on one end and a hook on the other end. |
| covered terrain and it’s much different than | | | | They’re placed and secured into the ice and |
| climbing in dry terrain. While it is more challenging than | | | | the hook on the ice screw is for attaching to. |
| other forms of climbing, ice climbing can be the most | | | | The ice itself is sometimes used as a pro. There are |
| rewarding and exhilarating. | | | | two common methods; the V-thread and the Bollard |
| Many techniques that are used in other types of | | | | method. In the V-thread method, a pair of holes are |
| climbing are used in ice climbing but the challenge is | | | | drilled diagonally into the ice and their holes connect |
| altogether different. There are definite differences in | | | | to make a “V” shape. A sling is |
| the equipment used for ice climbing. For example, ice | | | | threaded and then attached to a rope and harness. |
| climbing boots require more insulation than for alpine | | | | The ice is quite strong and there is little risk of giving |
| climbing since it’s important to keep ice and | | | | way. With the Bollard method a rope hold is carved |
| snow from entering the boot. | | | | into the ice and a rope is looped over the piece of |
| Spiked soles that clamp to the soles of your boots, | | | | ice. The ice is strong enough to hold one or two |
| called crampons are required for keeping traction on | | | | climbers depending on their weight. There is a risk to |
| the ice. There are special techniques used for | | | | using ice as a pro since it is an unpredictable medium |
| trekking on ice. Using a large ice pick, you use an | | | | but many climbers prefer it. |
| overhead swing to penetrate the ice in front of you. | | | | Ice climbing utilizes many of the same techniques as |
| When you’ve determined it’s secure, | | | | traditional climbing but with some different equipment. |
| you kick your crampon fitted boot into the ice. Once | | | | Many climbers find that ice climber is more |
| you are sure you’re secure these two steps | | | | adventures and provides them with a more |
| are repeated. | | | | rewarding feeling. If you’re a climber, you |
| While hiking and climbing, a pro is used much like in | | | | should give ice climbing a try for a true adrenaline |
| traditional climbing but the protective devices used in | | | | rush. |
| ice climbing take on a different aspect. Single, twin | | | | |