| Mountain climbing locations vary in altitude but | | | | screws are commonly used. Ice screws are |
| many of them are in of sub zero temperatures. | | | | hollow tubes that have teeth on one end and a |
| There are different techniques required for | | | | hook on the other end. They're placed and |
| climbing in ice covered terrain and it's much | | | | secured into the ice and the hook on the ice |
| different than climbing in dry terrain. While it is | | | | screw is for attaching to. |
| more challenging than other forms of climbing, ice | | | | The ice itself is sometimes used as a pro. There |
| climbing can be the most rewarding and | | | | are two common methods; the V-thread and the |
| exhilarating. | | | | Bollard method. In the V-thread method, a pair of |
| Many techniques that are used in other types of | | | | holes are drilled diagonally into the ice and their |
| climbing are used in ice climbing but the challenge is | | | | holes connect to make a "V" shape. A sling is |
| altogether different. There are definite differences | | | | threaded and then attached to a rope and |
| in the equipment used for ice climbing. For | | | | harness. The ice is quite strong and there is little |
| example, ice climbing boots require more insulation | | | | risk of giving way. With the Bollard method a rope |
| than for alpine climbing since it's important to keep | | | | hold is carved into the ice and a rope is looped |
| ice and snow from entering the boot. | | | | over the piece of ice. The ice is strong enough to |
| Spiked soles that clamp to the soles of your | | | | hold one or two climbers depending on their |
| boots, called crampons are required for keeping | | | | weight. There is a risk to using ice as a pro since |
| traction on the ice. There are special techniques | | | | it is an unpredictable medium but many climbers |
| used for trekking on ice. Using a large ice pick, | | | | prefer it. |
| you use an overhead swing to penetrate the ice | | | | Ice climbing utilizes many of the same techniques |
| in front of you. When you've determined it's | | | | as traditional climbing but with some different |
| secure, you kick your crampon fitted boot into | | | | equipment. Many climbers find that ice climber is |
| the ice. Once you are sure you're secure these | | | | more adventures and provides them with a more |
| two steps are repeated. | | | | rewarding feeling. If you're a climber, you should |
| While hiking and climbing, a pro is used much like in | | | | give ice climbing a try for a true adrenaline rush. |
| traditional climbing but the protective devices used | | | | Ofcourse if such adventures are not your style |
| in ice climbing take on a different aspect. Single, | | | | then try out the calm environments of Javea and |
| twin and double rope ascents are still used but ice | | | | Alicante. |