{"id":42687,"date":"2019-01-14T10:00:27","date_gmt":"2019-01-14T18:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=42687"},"modified":"2020-05-22T12:51:43","modified_gmt":"2020-05-22T19:51:43","slug":"how-you-can-try-ice-climbing-this-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/climb\/how-you-can-try-ice-climbing-this-season","title":{"rendered":"How You Can Try Ice Climbing This Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here\u2019s the thing about ice climbing: It looks impossible. Climbers scale frozen waterfalls with tiny slivers of metal strapped to their hands and feet, generally defying gravity while looking like the badass villain in an action movie. But here\u2019s the well-kept secret: With some simple instruction, it\u2019s actually quite possible for us mortals to climb features like frozen waterfalls, glaciers, icefalls and rock slabs covered in ice. It\u2019s fun, it can be reasonably safe, and it\u2019ll take you to some of the most interesting winter environments you\u2019ve ever seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of ice to climb: alpine ice and water ice. Alpine ice is almost always found in the mountains, usually requires a long approach to access, and is most frequently climbed as part of a summit attempt\u2014think of the more technical routes on Denali, for example, or Mount Rainier. Water ice, on the other hand, is usually formed by running water on a cliff or other outcropping beneath water flows. Water ice can form naturally in places where the temperature varies between freezing and just above freezing, or it can be made and groomed by humans in<\/span> ice parks like the one in Ouray, Colorado<\/span><\/a>. Around the world, ice-climbing routes range from beginner to expert, with technical grades that vary as the ice conditions change throughout the winter. For most beginners, water ice is the place to start.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as in rock climbing, ice can be climbed on top rope or on lead. Climbers use ice tools and technical crampons to climb, and ice screws, ropes, and other protection are used to protect against falls.<\/span><\/p>\n

How To Start: Get Lessons or Check Out A Festival<\/b><\/h4>\n

\u201cIn this sport, it\u2019s really worth investing in the learning process,\u201d says<\/span> Mark Allen<\/span><\/a>, a mountain guide and owner of Washington-based<\/span> Mountain Bureau<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThe first several times you go ice climbing should be on top rope with an experienced friend or guide, not just a fellow novice ice climber. Make sure you find somebody who can give you real instruction on the foundational technique. If you learn the basics well, you\u2019ll be more safe, have more fun, and be a lot less uncomfortable. The proper instruction could easily determine whether you love or hate ice climbing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Many guide services in North America offer introductory ice-climbing courses, and some private guides also offer one-on-one instruction. But Allen, who is certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations, also suggests another option\u2014check out an ice-climbing festival. Throughout the winter, several festivals around the country offer the chance to attend clinics taught by professional athletes and guides, test a variety of different gear, see slideshows and trip reports from alpine adventures around the world and meet like-minded ice enthusiasts. Here are a few to check out this year:<\/span><\/p>\n