Ice climbing is the recreational activity of climbing ice formations such as icefalls, and frozen waterfalls. (Dry-tooling is climbing rock using the tools for ice climbing.) Depending on the slope and texture of the ice, different equipment and techniques can be employed by the climber. For example, on flat ice, almost any good hiking or mountaineering boot will usually suffice, but for serious ice climbing double plastic mountaineering boots (or their older stiff leather equivalent) are usually used, which must be crampon compatible and stiff enough to support the climber and maintain ankle support. On short, low angled slopes, one can use an ice axe to chop steps. For longer and steeper slopes or glacier travel, crampons are mandatory for a safe climb. Vertical ice climbing is done with crampons and ice axes (generally called ice tools if they are specific to vertical ice); the climber kicks their legs to engage the front points of the crampons in the ice, and then swings the axe into the ice above their head. This technique is known as front pointing. The strength of the ice is often surprising; even if the axe only goes in a centimeter or so it is enough to pull up on. If the climber is leading, they will need to place ice screws as protection on their way up (see climbing system).

Most mountaineers would only consider the last scenario true ice climbing; the less steep variations are routine aspects of winter mountaineering.

External links

---

• Ice climbing photos
• Vertical Resources - information on mountaineering, ice and rock climbing. Based in New Zealand
• Photos iceclimbing in Switzerland
• Photos iceclimbing in Switzerland

More on [ Ice climbing ]

ice skating - Google News

Modern Family, "En Garde": Fencing and figure skating - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
The Star-Ledger - NJ.comModern Family, "En Garde": Fencing and figure skatingThe Star-Ledger - NJ.com... with these people, and to get a goofy smile on my face when I see moments like Claire and Mitchell acting out their ice skating routine, sans skates. ...'Modern Family': Too much nice, not enough fireLos Angeles TimesModern Family Episode 7Gather.com'Modern Family': 'Who Da Manny?'Entertainment WeeklyAfterElton.com -A.V. Club -TVOvermindall 18 news articles »
Former Olympic skater on the ice for charity - USA Today
Former Olympic skater on the ice for charityUSA TodayScott Hamilton remembers launching into a spin above the ice one day in late summer. The 1984 Olympic men's figure skating champion was in the middle of ...Ice arena skating to start next weekDaily Republicall 12 news articles »
100000 Attend Winter Ice Skating On The Beach For 10 Weeks Of Music, Swimsuits ... - MMD Newswire (press release)
100000 Attend Winter Ice Skating On The Beach For 10 Weeks Of Music, Swimsuits ...MMD Newswire (press release)Seaside Ice features music, food and fun every day of the week including Monday Fun Day Public Skating, Ruby's Dine & Skate Tuesdays, Best Western Sunrise ...Fundraiser Skate Party & Demo Tape Screening of "The Frozen Stage" Scheduled ...MMD Newswire (press release)all 2 news articles »
RP ice skater tops division in Slovakia Cup - GMA news.tv
RP ice skater tops division in Slovakia CupGMA news.tvAll five skaters are members of the Philippine national ice skating team governed by the Philippine Ice Skating Union. – GMANews.TV.12-yo Pinoy skater bests competitors in Tirnavia Ice CupABS CBN Newsall 2 news articles »
Disney on Ice 'Finding Nemo' choreographer finds similarities between sea life ... - Knoxville News Sentinel
Disney on Ice 'Finding Nemo' choreographer finds similarities between sea life ...Knoxville News SentinelThe choreographer and former Disney on Ice skater studied the fish and sea creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif. ...Argentina Honors Disney On Ice Presents Disney/Pixar's FINDING NEMO With Best ...SYS-CON Media (press release)all 3 news articles »
SJ to host 2012 skating championships - abc7news.com
SJ to host 2012 skating championshipsabc7news.comThe first time the US Figure Skating Championships were held at the HP Pavilion was in 1996 when San Jose ice skater Rudy Galindo became a hometown hero, ...San Jose to host US Figure Skating Championships again in 2012San Jose Mercury Newsall 60 news articles »

Subscribe to I RSS feed