How to Survive When Ice Climbing

Survive while ice climbing by arming yourself with basic knowledge and the accoutrements that will ensure both your safety and comfort. It isn't enough that you only make it through the day. When ice climbing, you should also want to be comfortable enough that you are not thinking about survival. You are at the mercy of the elements when you are in frigid, dangerous conditions. If you've decided you want to climb, prepare to be cold, wet and typically dangling off of some sort of precipice.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Climbing requires you to have mastered the different types of ice that exist. The difference between the two types really starts in the name: water or alpine. To survive while ice climbing, one needs to first understand the basic differences between the two. Alpine ice is the ice that was once snow, then melted and refroze. If you were to dig deep enough, there would be mountain under all that ice.
   Water, on the other hand, is essentially a frozen waterfall. Survival hinges on the basic principle that one knows what kind of surface they are on and how, in adverse conditions, that surface might react to them plunging axes and spikes into that surface. Ice is at best an inconsistent surface, and due to the intense nature of both the climate and the equipment, is very hard to get a feel for, literally. Ice climbing is a very different sport from rock climbing, and requires a totally different set of skills.

2. Master the concept and fundamental differences of the ice and you will have made the first, and most significant step in being able to survive while ice climbing. Next, you will have to understand that you will take a step-by-step approach to learning the process of climbing, while also incorporating the essential functions of your equipment that is literally your lifeline while on the ice. The first step in learning to survive while ice climbing to keep dry. One key element to that is to carry several different pairs of gloves. As one pair gets wet (and they will) switch them out for a dry pair. Do this throughout the trek and you will find that the warmer and drier your hands and fingers are, the easier it will be to master the ice. In order to survive while ice climbing, like any other winter sport, you must remain warm and dry. Buying the best winter climbing gear is not only the first thing you should do, but it is the smartest and most vital.

3. Eat and drink. You will be doing something that is strategic, not merely reactionary. Understanding, reacting and countering your environment will hinge almost entirely on having your wits about you. Keeping yourself fed and hydrated will ensure that the choices you make are based on training and experience. Keeping your stomach full will ensure your energy levels remain consistent and that your body continues to produce heat. Remembering that you are in a cold, unforgiving environment and preparing to tackle it is the best way to ensure that you will survive while ice climbing.

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