ICE CLIMBING INFORMATION ARTICLES

Ice Climbing - Safety on Ice

Like Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing is a dangerous sport. It is therefore necessary that you know what safety precautions to take before you take the icy climb. Likewise, the proper use of equipment and knowledge of necessary techniques are crucial to ensure your safety while climbing.

These are some of the factors that you must consider in Ice Climbing:

Understanding the risks involved is a great step in ensuring your safety.
Avalanches are an ever-present threat especially when climbing in mountainous areas.
Beware of falling rocks especially when climbing in canyons and valleys.
Another factor that climbers must take note of is temperature. The cold remains a legitimate threat. A climber will not be able to move properly with numb fingers and feet.
Wear appropriate clothing. Take note that Ice Climbing poses extreme temperatures. It is important that your clothes can keep you warm, dry, and protected during your climb. You may want to adapt the Three Layer System. This can give you good protection from different outdoor conditions.
As with all other outdoor sports, it is very crucial to have the necessary pieces of equipment and devices. Know how and when to use each piece of gear.
Acquire proper training. It is much better to know how to climb properly right from the very beginning than to learn it the hard way.
Glaciers and crevasses with tracks do not ensure that you will not fall through.

We cannot stress it enough – Ice Climbing can be very dangerous. Though this must be the case, you can still take ice climbs provided that you do your part. Equip yourself with the necessary information and pieces of gear. With enough training and preparation, you can climb your way to the icy top safely.