Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is an offshoot of mountaineering. Climbing ice started in the early days of mountain climbing as climbers encountered the hard water ice in the gullies and faces of their lofty objectives. The techniques and the tools of the trade evolved with the difficulty of the ice attempted. The sport of climbing frozen waterfalls blossomed with the advent of the modern ice tool designed by Evon Chouinard in the early 1970's.

Time Required: A Couple of Winters

1. Develop your basic rock climbing skills. Learn how to belay, tie in to the rope and practice the basic movements of climbing indoors at a gym or outdoors on rock.

2. Hire an instructor to show you the basics of ice climbing. This is an important step to take before you buy the gear. Guides have tools and crampons to try out before you make your purchases.

3. Make sure you enjoy the wild sport of climbing ice before you buy all the gear. Some people learn that they would rather climb a warm dry rock in the sun.

4. Set aside at least three to four weekends each winter to travel to a major ice climbing destination.

5. Major Destination #1: The Ouray Ice Park is located in the town limits of Ouray Colorado and is one of the most user friendly places to learn how to climb ice. Located close to Montrose, CO., Ouray is easily accessible and has plenty of accommodations and natural Hot Springs as well.

6. Major Destination #2: The Canadian Rocky Mountains have the largest quantity of water ice in the North American Continent. Banff National Park as well as Jasper National Park are world class destinations.

7. Major Destination #3: Lee Vining, CA. California has ice? Sure it has ice, just not as much as Colorado and Canada. Lee Vining is located on the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains just outside of Yosemite National Park. The canyon has numerous flows of ice ranging from basic to advanced and is easily accessible from Reno, NV. Pictures and information can be found at About MY Adventure.com and two great guide services are Nidever Mountain Guides and Sierra Wilderness Seminars.
Tips:

1. Find a partner who has the desire to learn how to ice climb or hire a professionally certified guide.
2. Purchase the gear.
3. Be smart, learn from the professionals and use your best judgment

What You Need:

* Ice tools
* Crampons
* A helmet
* A harness
* Warm clothes
* Several pairs of gloves
* Technical climbing gear including ropes, ice screws, and rock climbing gear.
* Proper training in the use this gear