The basics of ice climbing

Every ice-climbing enthusiast should master ice-snow climbing techniques. Various walking and self-protection techniques should be practiced and mastered repeatedly. It will not be repeated here. The following focuses on the essentials of ice climbing.

The use of hail: Every part of the hail has its purpose, and choosing the right hail depends mainly on the slope and type of the ice slope, usually a short hail of 40-50 cm in length. Reasonable and full use of hail can save a lot of physical strength.

Front teeth technology: The crampons have anterior teeth in addition to the bottom 12 teeth. When the ice wall climbs, the front teeth of the crampons pierce into the ice wall as a support point for the foot. This way of climbing is known as front tooth climbing or German-style climbing. Continuous use of the front teeth will make the feet and shins fatigue, so you must learn to relax and rest.

Full-contact climbing: The first step is to stabilize and then the second step, so that the ankle joint is relaxed at any time, and the claw teeth are all in contact with the ice surface.

There are four main ways to use the ice climbing on the ice wall:

Three-point climbing method: When the slope of ice and snow is less than 35 degrees, the climbing method is to hold the hand above the ice axe. The hail rope sleeve is placed on the wrist to prevent it from falling off. The top of the ice axe is used as the third point on the ice. There must be at least two points of contact between the tip of the ice pick and the two legs.

Balanced climbing method: When the slope is 35-50 degrees, the upper part of the ice axe is held in one hand, and the one is held on the upper part of the ice axe. The upper part of the foot uses the front teeth, and the lower part of the foot contacts the ice. The role of hail at this time is to maintain body balance.

Fulcrum climbing method: When the slope of ice and snow slope is 45-60 degrees, it should be held on top of the hailstone and held in one hand near the bottom of the broomstick. The upper point of the upper jaw is inserted into the ice slope as a fulcrum, and the front teeth are used to climb.

Double raft climbing method: When the slope of the ice slope is greater than 60 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the hardness of the ice slope is not very large. The method of climbing is to hold the top of the hail tightly with both hands and insert the dagger as a dagger to alternately ascend or descend. If the ice slope is very hard, its climbing method is to hold the bottom of the ice axe with both hands and pull the upper point into the ice.