WHAT MAKES AN ICE CLIMBER? Ice climbing is not for the faint at
heart. This exhilarating and dangerous sport takes participants
into some of nature?s fiercest and most beautiful elements and
requires strength, stamina and the willingness to stay outside
for long periods of time in below-freezing weather. Many ice
climbers describe the experience as electrifying and
exhilarating. The danger involved in scaling vertical cascades
of ice can create an amazing adrenaline rush, and reaching the
top of a difficult and steep ice or snow formation can leave a
climber with a tremendous sense of personal achievement. Ice
climbing often is done in a surreal ice world of frozen
waterfalls, huge icicles and compacted snow slides. Ice
climbers, even those one-day experimenters, need to have a basic
level of physical fitness. I ce climbing requires brute force
and good technique, as climbers uses ice picks and crampons,
which are sharp steel claws that attach to boots, to make their
way up the ice. Many climbing schools offer one-day excursions
that usually involve shorter climbs up a gentle slope.
Experienced climbers, however, will ascend vertical and
sometimes overhanging ice walls, which requires excellent
physical conditioning, stamina, courage and technique. Ice
climbing can be done on all levels, from one-day climbs to a
lifetime pursuit. For those who want a one-time thrill, it is
recommended that they hire a guide or take a class on the
basics, then go with more experienced climbers. Climbing schools
offer one-day classes, but it is recommended that beginners take
two- or three-day classes so that they can spend adequate time
learning climbing techniques before attempting a climb. Classes
and guides can cost several hundred dollars, and they are
offered at many popular ice-climbing sites. Rock climbing
experience is helpful, but some short ice-climbing excursions
will take people with no experience. For those who are serious
about the sport, then you can read more about it at
About the author:
Ashley Barnard is an experienced ice climber, and has been ice
climbing around the world for the past 15 years, his resent
ventures have taken him into the artic to find more exposed icy
locations for ever looking for that ultimate ice climb
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