How to Prepare for a First Ice Climbing Run

Learn how to ice climb by taking ice climbing lessons from a professional, reading books, watching videos and reviewing any other mountain and ice climbing material or information you can get your hands on—that's first and foremost. Begin to prepare for your first ice climbing run once you've successfully completed all appropriate training and education. Some climbing clubs, such as the "Everett Mountaineers" in Washington State where ice climbing is very popular, have stringent requirements for first climbing runs. Before a member can even take a course in ice climbing through the club, he or she must first be experienced at off-trail hiking/camping, be physically and mentally fit enough to climb, be first-aid certified and take and pass "Basic Climbing." Think safety—that's the key to good preparation and having fun with any extreme sport.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Physical and Mental Conditioning

1. Prepare first by being fit months before a first ice climbing run. (Check with your doctor before exercising). Participate in any type of cardiovascular activity for thirty minutes a day or whatever your doctor recommends. Practice rock climbing for the best form of aerobic exercise in preparation for ice climbing.

2. Get a physical and dental checkup before climbing on ice—it's not a good place to get sick or have a toothache, especially if the first ice climbing run is part of an overnight trip or expedition in an isolated area.

3. Make sure you are mentally in shape, which also comes with climbing practice and getting used to being vertical. Freaking out due to not being comfortable enough with high places and extreme conditions is not a way to have a good first ice climbing run. Eat healthy, be positive and get enough sleep before any ice climbing trip.

4. Give yourself confidence by learning basic survival skills (e.g., building a snow cave during emergency situations). Read books or take courses on how to survive in dangerous situations and in bad weather conditions.

5. Let people at home know where you will be and when you will return. Carry important names and numbers with you and a cell phone.

Supplies and Equipment

6. Make sure to purchase all of the necessary equipment, supplies and food needed for the first ice climbing run. The total cost can be very high; but it's extremely important to have the right gear and tools.

7. Create a climbing itinerary and equipment list for the trip (even if it's a day trip). Find out if there will be a guide for the ice climbing run. Decide who in the group will bring what—supplies, equipment, food, fuel (if needed).

8. Prepare for your trip by categorizing your gear into three groups to determine what's needed: Group gear (e.g., one compass for the group), climbing gear (personal versus group) and personal gear (such as clothing).

9. Choose the correct type of clothing for ice climbing. Try on different layered outfits and keep in mind the probable weather conditions for the scheduled first ice climbing run. Make sure you'll have enough layers or that you won't have too many, or that you don't wear something that makes you feel too hot, trapped or constrained. Layers need to come off easily. Some one piece outfits are okay as long as they are well ventilated.

10. Get used to your boots. Wear them from time to time so that you feel comfortable in them for long periods of time.

11. Check out reputable books, videos or other materials for complete lists of supplies and equipment needed. Locate a copy of The Mountaineers' book, "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" for comprehensive information on ice climbing and supplies and equipment required.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any extreme sport, always check with your doctor before participating. Make sure you are using the right safety equipment and have emergency equipment with you whenever ice climbing.

Resources

• The Everett Mountaineers
• When Storms Rage (or how to build a snow cave)

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