In some places enough ice has already grown to be able to swing the ice axe, in others a few more cold days are needed. To kick off the ice season, we are serving you a concentrated load of knowledge about ice climbing and dry tooling.
For all those who feel warmed by the sight of water turning into ice and nature forming crazy climbable structures in the shelter of sub-zero temperatures, we have included numerous valuable tips and tricks in this article about ice climbing The articles are related to the Swiss mountain guide and ice climbing aficionado Peter von Kaenel have already been created.
assess conditions
construction of a stand in the ice
setting ice screws
Introduction to Drytooling
Drytooling for Advanced Users
You can find numerous other professional tips on ice climbing in the video series "Ice Climbing Tech Tips" by Will Gadd. We have provided links to all episodes below.
Episode 1: Foot Technique
Episode 2: Setting Ice Tools
Episode 3: Technique for steep ice
Episode 4: Drytooling
Episode 5: Drytooling for Advanced Users
Episode 6: Ice Screws
Episode 7: Beware of ice bulges
Episode 8: Building an Ice Hourglass
Episode 9: Sharpening Ice Tools
That might interest you
- “This route is one of the most important achievements of our mountaineering career”
- Big winter ascent on the wild north face: Gietl, Hinterberger and Wohlleben climb Ultima Perla ground-up
- Simon Gietl: “Being able to climb something like that at the beginning of November is like a birthday and Christmas together.”
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Credits: Cover photo by Chaewul Kim for Unsplash