How to Follow Ice Climbing Etiquette

When climbing, it's important to keep in mind that you're not the first or the last person to touch that area. Experienced climbers have a high respect for the mountain and follow a set of rules and etiquette guidelines to make sure the place can be enjoyed for those coming behind them. This also minimizes the impact of humans on the environment and prevents problems later. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Follow Climbing Etiquette

1. Avoid removing anything from the area while climbing. This includes breaking vegetation, moving rocks and stepping on bushes. While this may not seem significant at the time, it can lead to erosion, changes in the track of melting water and ecosystem transformation.
2. Don't leave anything behind. Carry all garbage with you, don't forget any tools or climbing equipment and don't leave human waste near climbing routes. If possible, move at least 50 meters from any potential path the climbers behind you may follow, and dig a hole if the surface allows.
3. Don't take anything with you. No "climbing souvenirs" or anything like that. Move things as little as possible and leave everything where you found it.
4. Don't monopolize the area. This means not leaving behind brackets or bolts and not taking space and time that may interfere with other climbers coming behind. While lowering after climb, look for visual clues that the descent path is open. If you can't see, shout to alert potential climbers of your intentions.
5. Allow climbers that are on top of you to climb the path first, even if they are slow and you make it up to them. If you are in a hurry, ask for their permission to go around or politely offer ideas on how to make the climb easier and faster.

Tips & Warnings

• Be especially careful with equipment. Ice is slippery and tools left on an edge can fall and hurt other climbers on their way up. Always be conscious of where you place your tools.
• Let other climbers know if ice or rocks are loose or falling by simply yelling "rock." It's an accepted sign in climbing to watch out for debris.
• Don't carry paint, ink or anything brightly colored that can stain the ice during your climb. Try to preserve the cleanliness of the surface by avoiding anything that may change its natural color.
• One of the most important rules in ice climbing etiquette is to watch for the safety of others. Never drop a rope, break chunks of ice or do anything else that may injure the climbers coming up behind you.