Challenge extreme cold, play COOL to the limit. As winter arrives, ice climbing is a beloved seasonal sport among outdoor and mountaineering enthusiasts. Swinging an ice axe and striking icefalls creates splashes of ice crystals — offering even more thrill and satisfaction than rock climbing.
The professional outdoor brand KAILAS has launched its four-day Double Bridge Gully Extreme Ice Climbing Event from December 31, 2014, to January 3, 2015. Since 2011, KAILAS’s ice climbing events have been held annually during New Year’s in the Shuangqiaogou area of Sichuan’s Siguniang Mountain Scenic Region. The event attracts numerous seasoned domestic and international outdoor and ice climbing enthusiasts as well as beginners, all coming together to take part in diverse experience activities and professional training. This year’s ice climbing festival introduces a new highlight — night climbing — while classic programs such as beginner experiences and dry tooling training continue as traditions. In addition to climbing, a New Year’s Eve lamb roast dinner and ice wine party add extra festive cheer.
Specific Dates Locations / Ice Walls Event Highlights
December 31 All Day Main Venue - Wuse Mountain Lodge Event Check-in
7:00 - Midnight Event Opening & New Year’s Eve Lamb Roast Party
Midnight Ice Climbing to Welcome New Year’s Day
January 1 9:00-15:00 Wuse Ice Wall / Nianyu Dam Beginner Ice Climbing Experience & Instruction
19:00-22:00 Wuse Ice Wall Night Climbing Experience
January 2 9:00-15:00 Yangtianwo Multi-pitch Team Climbing Experience & Instruction
19:00-21:00 Main Venue - Wuse Mountain Lodge KAILAS Unclimbed Peaks Program – First Ascent of Crown Peak Sharing Session (Guests: Jon Otto, Marcos Costa)
January 3 9:00-15:00 Shenxian Cave Dry Tooling Experience (Guest: Marcos Costa of TEAM KAILAS)
19:00-22:00 Main Venue - Wuse Mountain Lodge Event Closing & Ice Wine Thank You Party
Event Registration URL: http://www.kailas.com.cn/iceclimbing2015/
Ice climbing in Shuangqiao Valley
Shuangqiao Valley is the most beautiful valley in Siguniang Mountain, featuring snow-capped peaks, pastures, grasslands, forests, and more. It's an ideal destination for mountaineering, skiing, ice climbing, and photography, often referred to as "China's Alps." Shuangqiao Valley is home to numerous alpine glaciers, and the peaks within the valley above 5,000 meters are extremely challenging to climb. There are still many unclimbed peaks, and many domestic mountaineering experts consider ascending the peaks in Shuangqiao Valley as part of their training goals.
Recommended Ice Climbing Gear
Ice climbing requires the use of sharp outdoor equipment such as ice axes and crampons, so it must be approached gradually under the guidance of professional ice climbers.
Recommended ice climbing gear includes the following:
KAILAS High Altitude Mountaineering Socks (KH10013)
The sole features Primaloft yarn, offering excellent thermal insulation and moisture-wicking capabilities, along with a soft and comfortable feel. The heel and toe are made with silver fiber that is antimicrobial and odor-resistant, naturally killing bacteria without any chemicals, ensuring no irritation and maintaining functionality even after washing. The sock shaft is made of Merino wool, suitable for high-altitude mountaineering in harsh climatic conditions.