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Ice Climbing Techniques

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If you have the right gear, the next thing you need to know is how to properly use it! Depending on the texture and slope of the ice, various techniques can be used by the climber. On flat ice, any adequate hiking or mountaineering boot should work for climbing. On short, low angled slopes, a climber can employ an ice axe in order to chop his steps. Crampons are necessary for glacier travel and longer and steeper slopes. Some find it very strange wearing crampons for the first time, so that walking alone can be a challenge. Kicking the crampons into the ice is a unique experience as the motions do not come naturally.

Vertical ice climbing is accomplished with crampons and ice axes; the climber kicks their legs to connect the front points of the crampons in the ice, and then swings the axe into the ice directly over their heads. Ice is typically very strong so that even if the axe only enters in the ice a centimeter it is sufficient to pull up on. If the climber is leading, it will be necessary to insert ice screws as protection on their way up. Most mountaineers only regard vertical ice climbing as real ice climbing versus the less steep variations.

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