Ice Climbing
Ice climbers nimbly ascend frozen waterfalls and icicles. Crampons, ice tools and ice screws provide the necessary hold. The rope is attached to the ice screws by express slings. This adventurous sport is not for the faint-hearted, as it often takes you high up on ice, which can be unpredictable at times. It may be hard to imagine for sportspeople who prefer to go on a sunny ski tour in winter rather than to stay in a shady north face. But it is this very kick that makes ice climbing so exciting for professionals.
The best regions
The first steps in ice climbing
Take a gradual approach to ice climbing by starting with rock climbing tours, which typically require less equipment and allow you to slowly increase the difficulty level. In ice climbing, the jump from theory to practice is quite significant since the sport can only be done directly on ice. That’s why it’s crucial to master the fundamentals before heading out onto the ice. Our Route Finder helps you find suitable routes for all skill levels.
Organizations like alpine clubs and mountain schools offer courses and guided tours for both beginners and experienced climbers. Equipment is usually available for rent on-site for a small fee. You can find a comprehensive list of ice climbing courses for all levels here.
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The right equipment for ice climbing
When ice climbing, you need much more equipment than for other activities. We have compiled a list of equipment that is essential for ice climbing:
- Backpack (approx. 40 litres, with ice axe attachment)
- Warm, crampon proof mountain boots with at least a toggle binding at the back, impregnated
- A rockfall helmet (not older than 5 years)
- Climbing harness (4 gear loops, with 2 clippers for ice screws, not older than 5 years)
- 3 rope cords (1m, 3m, 5m) with 5-6mm
- 3 webbing slings (sewn, 1 x diameter 60cm and 2 x 120cm)
- 5 HMS screw carabiners
- 8 ice screws (6 x approx. 16cm and 2x approx. 19cm, modern design with crank)
- V-threader
- 2 half ropes for ice clocks (approx. 1m)
- Steel crampons with rocker and anti-slip plate (adapted and with filed frontal prongs)
- Snow poles (adjustable length)
- 8 express slings (wire snapper advantageous)
- Belay device „Tuber with plate function“ (ATCGuide, Reverso ...)
- 2 modern ice axes (possibly with spare blades)
- Files/grindstone for filing the hews
- Two half-rope lengths (60 m), as good as new, impregnated
- LVS device
- Functional clothing
The correct technique for ice climbing is explained in this video.
Ice Climbing Safety
Ice climbing, like any alpine sport, comes with its risks. That’s why it’s crucial to check the latest conditions at the icefall before your climb and carefully assess the situation once you’re there.
An icefall is never exactly the same—not from year to year, or even from one day to the next. Conditions on the day of your climb may be very different from what’s described in a guidebook. Most ice-climbing accidents happen due to misjudgment, so take the time to study the ice and learn how to evaluate it properly.
Ice climbing with the features of Outdooractive
Outdooractive provides you with all the important functions you need for your ice climbing tour. Whether you are looking for inspiration, planning your adventure or are already on site, Outdooractive's many features will help you find exactly what you need.
The Outdooractive map is always up to date and contains all the important information about the terrain, trail conditions and altitude. The BuddyBeacon function, which allows you to share your location with friends and family in real time and thus be found quickly in the event of an emergency, provides additional safety when out and about.
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