How To Ice Climb

Learning how to ice climb is a test in endurance, strength and good sense. Learning how to ice climb takes dedication, training and know how. Ice climbing unlike regular rock or mountain climbing adds the additional complication of the elements. Ice climbing takes specialized gear and know how. Learning how to ice climb means understanding the concepts surrounding climbing, understanding the need for protective gear and working knowledge of what it really means to be an ice climber.

Ice climbing is an amazing sport. There is something exhilarating about scaling a mountain in the dead of winter. The view is astounding and the entire world seems to stop. Learning this sport will not disappoint, if you have the commitment and drive to be successful.

What you will need to ice climb:

• Ice cliff or mountainside
• Proper gear
• Sense of adventure

How to ice climb:

1. First things first, be sure you are physically prepared to ice climb. Ice climbing takes loads of stamina and is a very strenuous sport. Not being fit physically, mentally or possessing the proper endurance can be life threatening.
2. You will require proper gear. Minimum requirements include a helmet, harness, proper (warm and maneuverable) clothing rated for sub temperatures, ice axe, ice boots, crampons and a rope. There are quite a few other items that are needed, but hopefully some you can mooch off the lead climber.
3. Get some rock climbing training. These can be found at sporting goods stores or specialty places that offer camp, courses or in-house training. Do not attempt to learn ice climbing at the cliff or mountainside. Not only are you doomed to fail, your party will be as well.
4. Do some strength and endurance training. Your choice on where and how but you will find just about every muscle and those you didn’t know you had will be tested. These are the starting points for learning how to ice climb. The rest is up you and your desire to succeed.