For many years, ice climbing was a subset of rock climbing. But today, this outdoor sport has become damn popular among climbers. 

Thrill-seekers must arm themselves with better equipment, including crampons, ropes, ice axes, and more to climb on ice.

So, is ice climbing an extreme sport? Yes, Ice climbing is the newest extreme sport for winter lovers – but they point out that one must consider safety measures. 

This will cut or reduce risk. It’s no secret that ice climbing takes place in harsh environments. 

Participants will have to battle out extreme weather conditions, crevasses, and avalanches.

Avid ice climbers consider it as a more obscure branch of the mountaineering expedition. 

Frozen waterfalls, glaciers, and steep sections of vertical ice are by far the best climbing venues. 

Regardless of the dangers involved, outdoor enthusiasts continue to ice climb with vehemence. 

For the past years, they’ve agreed that benefits outshine the perceived risks.

Most versatile ice climbers like to practice mixed climbing, which involves climbing on snow, ice, and rock. 

Much like dry tooling, ice climbers use crampons to keep their bodies supported and ice axes to hold on. 

That way, it’s simple to work your way up the frozen waterfalls.

If your dream is to try extreme things and experiences, ice climbing is an ideal outdoor activity for you.

Table Of Contents

    Why Should You Try Ice Climbing? Reasons

    Ice climbing has gained the same recognition as mixed climbing and rock climbing. 

    You’ll enjoy a great season workout, but you’ve to be pretty alert with your ax placement when ice climbing.

    Good movement and balanced patterns are vital. 

    Otherwise, you may find yourself coming off the ice. Here are some reasons why you should try ice climbing.

    • It’s a great exercise.

    Well, ice climbing is more of a ‘fitness’ or ‘adventure’ activity. 

    Even if you’re a veteran, this sport presents its hosts of challenges that one should think of. You can take advantage of this sport to become physically better.

    People can enjoy the beauty of winter by engaging themselves in this outdoor activity, particularly to manage their body fitness. 

    It allows you to burn fats and calories.

    Again, it gives you a chance to challenge yourself on different levels. 

    Ice climbing is an exhilarating activity that offers the best experience you’ll never forget. 

    Taking part in such a sport is something that you’ll never forget.

    • It’s an extreme sport.

    Most of us would want to partake in a demanding sport. 

    Although ice climbing can be much more straightforward than rock climbing, fanatics reveal that it’s far riskier. 

    The techniques used by ice climbers are pretty tricky, making it an extreme sport.

    Amid the exposure to chilling winds, hurricanes, and below-freezing temperatures, ice climbers face inclement weather conditions. 

    However, the chances of falling off are somehow slim. But, you’re guaranteed to see majestic rivers, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains.

    • It’s extraordinary and out of the ordinary.

    Wandering all-around big mountains, hitting the slopes and ice trekking are some of the best outdoor experiences? Ice climbing is not an exception. 

    Most ice climbers see this as a lifetime memory. Others do share stories and photos to showcase their skills.

    Reaching an endpoint or a special summit without falling is an extraordinary thing. 

    It’s a success. The majority haven’t gotten a chance to trek across gorgeous places. 

    Recall your childhood – and if your wish was to participate in one of the fascinating outdoor sports, then ice climbing is for you.

    What Equipment Do You Require For Ice Climbing?

    As an ice climber, you need some technical gear. 

    Proper equipment will help you climb hassle-free. Others will shield you from frosty weather conditions.

    Here is what you need to have in your checklist:

    • Climbing helmets
    • Ice climbing boots (insulated)
    • Ice axes
    • Ice screws
    • Climbing harness
    • Carabiners
    • Rope
    • Ice screws
    •  Crampons
    • Gore-Tex gloves
    • Quickdraws

    It’s advisable to work together in pairs. So, it would help if you climbed with a guide. 

    Guides may provide you with some equipment, if not all. You can decide to rent your climbing gear. 

    Keep in mind that this is an icy adventure that needs extensive preparation.

    What’s the Best Time for Ice Climbing?

    Winter seasons provide the best conditions for ice climbing. Nonetheless, you can participate in ice climbing all year round.

    It means that you can ice climb in all four seasons- winter, summer, autumn, and even spring months. Glaciers are responsible for ice climbing. 

    They provide the best settings in all four seasons.

    Alongside this, mountaineering expeditions usually involve both mixed and ice climbing. You’ve nothing to lose!

    Besides, ice climbers engage themselves in rock climbing and bouldering during the off-season. 

    That way, you’ll stay in shape throughout the period as you wait for the ice climbing months. 

    It’s the most extraordinary way to gain more skills and tricks to help you later in the winter months.

    Why You Need To Hire a Guide for Ice Climbing

    Yes, a guide will make a difference in any ice climbing journey. An intelligent local guide adds incomparable value, especially to beginners. 

    As seen, ice climbing is an extreme sport. So, he/she will help you strategize on safety matters.

    A seasoned guide will debunk the necessary precautions needed to keep you safe on the ice. 

    Probably you don’t know how to hook the ax or position the crampons. A qualified guide will come in handy.

    Notably, some ice climbers are naive in some critical areas of concern. In every sports activity, the participant needs to be aware of predictable weather patterns, temperatures, crevasses, and avalanches. 

    This will apply to ice climbing. For novices, a guide will help you go through this all together.

    The host climbers should have a license and certificate. 

    In the end, you’ll get experience and learn more about all elements of ice climbing and mountaineering.

    Wrap Up

    In the winter months, being out in the mountains and forests, surrounded by silence and beauty, creates great memories. 

    When snow crunches under your boots, it brings about a great experience. 

    With ice climbing as an expedition, you’ll enjoy the best moment. And although ice climbing is an extreme sport, you should give it a try.