As an outdoor activity, ice climbing is much more dangerous than rock climbing due to the many uncertainties involved. The learning process is also tough and demanding. It is best to learn under the guidance of experienced individuals to avoid making many mistakes. Ideally, you should learn the relevant knowledge in a systematic way, which can not only improve your skills but also enhance your safety awareness.
First, let’s go over some basic techniques:
A. Basic Posture for Ice Climbing: When climbers are ascending a vertical ice wall and need to stand, they should maintain an upright posture and stay naturally close to the ice. Pointing the toes downward reduces the crampon’s grip on the ice and can cause calf muscle fatigue. The correct posture is to angle the toes slightly upward.
B. Ice Axe Placement: The motion when placing the ice axe should not be too large, but the swing should be stable, and the wrist movement during placement must be controlled.
C. Removing the Ice Axe: When removing the ice axe, apply force only directly backward along the vertical line of the pick. Do not twist or rotate the axe sideways, as this can damage the pick.
D. Dealing with an Ax Blade Getting Stuck in Mixed Terrain: During ice climbing, it is inevitable to encounter non-icy sections where the ice axe does not penetrate easily. In such cases, you can use the following techniques: 1. The pick of the axe gets stuck in a downward-facing rock fissure. 2. Only one axe can be placed, requiring constant body traction using both hands—a technique that must always be employed.
Reminder: Ice climbing is a high-risk activity. Hands-on learning and proper protection are essential. The above information is for reference only.