How to Learn Ice Climbing

If you are into extreme sports or simply love rock-climbing, you may want to consider ice climbing. It is a cold and dangerous sport, but thrilling and rewarding also. If you decide this is right up your alley, you must prepare yourself by learning the techniques and practice using the equipment until you are confident and skilled enough to try the real thing. This sport is not for amateurs. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Learn rock-climbing techniques before attempting to ice climb. Hire a professional to teach you the skills required if you are a beginner, including belaying, tying in to the rope, lowering and abseiling (rappelling). There are many indoor rock-climbing gyms. Or, you can find a rock-climbing area near you to practice on.
2. Practice working with the climbing gear. Knowing how to use ice-climbing equipment is a must and could mean the difference between life and death. Most instructors have a variety of gear for you to try so you know what works best for you before you consider buying it. It is also important to be sure that this is a sport you enjoy before investing in the equipment.
3. Rent or buy the needed equipment. For ice-climbing, you will need crampons. These are spikes that strap onto the bottom of your boots sporting 10 to 12, 1-inch spikes on the bottom and one on the front for kicking into the ice while climbing. You will need various ice tools and gear, appropriate clothing, a harness and a helmet. Practice with all of these.
4. Keep in mind that ice climbing is more dangerous than rock climbing because of the danger of soft ice, snow avalanches and falling ice. Take the sport seriously and use the safety devices religiously. Ice screws, crampons, harnesses, ropes and ice axes are invaluable for preventing a nasty fall. If you are the lead climber, remember that those behind you will be placed in danger if you are careless.
5. Begin your adventure! Once you have mastered the techniques, rope systems and equipment you are ready to try the real thing. Ice climbing is done on glaciers, frozen waterfalls and rock-faces that are covered with snow and ice. Whether you are free climbing or ice climbing with a group always uses the required precautions and appropriate tools to ensure your safety.