| If you have been rock climbing for some time and | | | | climb, you will need to swing the ice pick over your |
| love the sport, it may be time to try ice climbing. Ice | | | | head in order to penetrate the ice. You will then |
| climbing is different in that instead of dry terrain, you | | | | move your foot and place your crampon fitted boot |
| will be climbing in ice covered terrain in sub zero | | | | into the ice. When you are well secured, you can |
| degree environments. If you love to climb and can | | | | repeat the steps. |
| tolerate the cold, this may be something you want | | | | The next type of equipment that differs from |
| try. | | | | regular rock climbing is the safety gear. While the |
| The techniques for ice climbing are very similar to | | | | same types of ropes are often used, ice screws are |
| those of regular climbing, however, due to the | | | | added to the materials. Ice screws are hollow tubes |
| different environment and climbing surface, the | | | | with teeth on one end and a hook on the other. |
| equipment will be a bit different. The first difference | | | | They allow you to screw into the ice and attach |
| is in your shoes. While rock climbing shoes are able to | | | | your ropes. |
| grip the rock and provide traction, they would do | | | | The ice itself is sometimes used as a pro. The ice is |
| very little in an ice covered environment. Therefore, | | | | generally strong enough to hold one to two climbers |
| ice climbers need to purchase a pair of ice climbing | | | | depending on their weight. This can be dangerous |
| boots. These boots provide more insulation to keep | | | | however as ice is unpredictable and may differ in |
| your feet warm and dry and protected from snow | | | | thickness and density. There are two methods for |
| that may threaten to enter. | | | | this, one is the V- Thread and the other is the Bollard |
| In addition, you will use crampons which are sharp | | | | method. |
| spiked soles that attach to the bottom of your | | | | Ice climbing can be extremely exciting and can |
| boots. These spiked soles allow you to penetrate the | | | | provide the adrenaline rush that climbers are looking |
| ice in order to grip it. Think of them as cleats for the | | | | for. With the proper equipment and knowledge, it can |
| ice covered mountain. In addition to your shoes, you | | | | be a safe and fulfilling experience. |
| will have a large ice pick. With each step during your | | | | |