Gourt > Recreation > Climbing > Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is the recreational activity of climbing ice formations such as icefalls, and frozen waterfalls. (Dry-tooling is climbing rock using the tools for ice climbing.) Depending on the slope and texture of the ice, different equipment and techniques can be employed by the climber. For example, on flat ice, almost any good hiking or mountaineering boot will usually suffice, but for serious ice climbing double plastic mountaineering boots (or their older stiff leather equivalent) are usually used, which must be crampon compatible and stiff enough to support the climber and maintain ankle support. On short, low angled slopes, one can use an ice axe to chop steps. For longer and steeper slopes or glacier travel, crampons are mandatory for a safe climb. Vertical ice climbing is done with crampons and ice axes (generally called ice tools if they are specific to vertical ice); the climber kicks their legs to engage the front points of the crampons in the ice, and then swings the axe into the ice above their head. This technique is known as front pointing. The strength of the ice is often surprising; even if the axe only goes in a centimeter or so it is enough to pull up on. If the climber is leading, they will need to place ice screws as protection on their way up (see climbing system).
Most mountaineers would only consider the last scenario true ice climbing; the less steep variations are routine aspects of winter mountaineering.
External links
- Ice climbing photos
- Vertical Resources - information on mountaineering, ice and rock climbing. Based in New Zealand
- Photos iceclimbing in Switzerland
- Photos iceclimbing in Switzerland
Italians Rescued from Nanga Parbat
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:16:00 -0500
7/24/08 - Nine days after the death of Karl Unterkircher in a crevasse fall on Nanga Parbat, Unterkircher's climbing partners, Simon Kehrer and Walter Nones, have been rescued from the mountain by helicopter.
The Path and Cobra Crack Repeated
Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:52:00 -0500
7/21/08 - Two of North America's hardest traditional rock climbs - both Sonnie Trotter routes in Canada - have been repeated in the past few days.
Patxi Usobiaga Onsights 5.14b/c
Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0500
7/21/08 - The Basque climber Patxi Usobiaga has onsighted Home Sweet Home (5.14b/c) at Pierrot Beach, France, his second onsight harder than 5.14b.
Top Italian Climber Killed on Nanga Parbat
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:55:00 -0500
7/17/08 - Karl Unterkircher, one of the leading lights of Himalayan climbing in recent years, has been killed in a crevasse fall while attempting a new route on Nanga Parbat.
Rands Sends South African V12
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:59:00 -0500
7/16/08 - Lisa Rands sent Nutsa (V12) despite rainy weather at the sandstone mecca of Rocklands, South Africa.
Adirondack Ice Conditions - Conditions. (Adirondacks, New York)
Meta Description: [ Adirondack Rock and River is the premier full service guide service and a Bed and Breakfast open to all! Located in Keene, NY, we provide private guiding, lessons, and group instruction in rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing and hiking. We are also a bed and breakfast ... ]
Arctic High - Photos of climbing icebergs in Canada's high arctic.
Climbing Magazine: Ice Craft - Section includes information on popular destinations, recommended gear, and how to train during the off-season.
Meta Description: [ Climbing Magazine’s mission is to inspire people to climb, to seek new challenges, and to learn about the great diversity of our sport. We strive to be thoughtful, inclusive, and unswervingly authentic. We look out for the long-term vitality of our sport and our community by providing leadership,... ]
Cody Ice - Conditions for areas around Cody, Wyoming. Discussion forum. General area information. Photos.
Cold Mountain - FAQ, information on the gear used with images and stories of personal trips.
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Deep South Ice - Offers profiles of places in the Southeastern US that offer ice climbing.
EMSCS - Weather, ice and avalanche conditions for New Hampshire, Catskills, Adirondacks. From Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing and Kayak Schools.
Meta Description: [ Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School. Expert instruction and guided climbs. International Treks and Tours ]
Gravsports - Information about new ice and mixed routes in the Canadian Rockies. Conditions. (Canadian Rockies)
Harter Climbing - Ice Climbing - Photos and links.
Hyalite Canyon Online Ice Climbing Guide - Route descriptions and conditions for ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon, Montana. Also includes tips, first ascent listings, and access information.
Ice Climbing FAQ - Answers to frequently asked questions about ice climbing.
Meta Description: [ Frequently asked questions about ice climbing ]
Ice Climbing in Slovenia - Conditions, pictures, local waterfall guide and information regarding competitions.
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Ice Climbing in the Western Alps - Guide to winter ice climbing in the Alps. Detailed description and photos of the best climbs with complete logistical information.
Iceclimbing@at - English to German translation of ice climbing terms. Photos.
Meta Description: [ Die Eiskletterwebsite! ]
Intermountain Ice Project - Crag information for ice climbing areas around the US. Links to weather stations. Discussion forum. Photos. How ice climbs are rated.
Meta Description: [ Information on iceclimbs and iceclimbing in North American regions ]
New England Ice - Offers articles, condition reports and events for ice climbing in New England.
Meta Description: [ Your ice climbing connection for the northeast and beyond! - Photos, Reports, Conditions, Weather, Classified, Reviews, Gear & Community. ]
New Hampshire Ice Climbing and Mountaineering Areas - Descriptions and photos of ice climbing and mountaineering areas in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Ouray Ice Festival - Registration and festival information. Results. Photos from past festivals. Courses offered.
Ouray Ice Park - Map of the park with route information. Rules and regulations.
Rock and Ice: Ice-Climbing Conditions - Forum for sharing condition information in the United States and Canada.
Meta Description: [ Forum for the climbing and bouldering community. ]
Southforkice.com - Annual waterfall ice climbing festival. Site contains information about the event, photos, and registration information. Located in Cody, Wyoming, United States.
The Valdez Ice Climbing Festival - Festival schedule and results. Photos. Discussion forum.
Meta Description: [ Frozen Waterfalls have drawn ice climbers from around the world to Valdez, Alaska for this unique and festive occasion... ]
Valdez Ice - A comprehensive guide book to the ice climbs of Valdez Alaska.
Wesbender.com - Up to date information on Orient Bay, Kama Bay, and Thunder bay Ice conditions.
Meta Description: [ Your source for Ice Conditions in Northwestern Ontario. Weekly photo update for Orient Bay, Kama Bay, Thunder Bay, Dorion, Red Rock, Superior Ice Station, and numerous other areas in the region. ]
West Coast Ice - Current conditions, new routes, photos, and trip reports for climbs in British Columbia, Canada.
Charlie Fowler ice climbing and interview |
