Ice climbers have cool tools of the trade

Ice climbing is not a sport for casual participation. It requires intense observation and serious physical conditioning, and a slow progression into more difficult situations is highly recommended.

Here are some basics to understand before you stick your first pick into an icefall, as explained by Dale Remsberg of Boulder, Colo., a professional ice and rock climbing guide.

TOOLS

Ice pick: It looks like a lightweight curved hammer with a pick on one end. You swing and hook it into the ice, then pull up on it as you move higher up the ice. Beginners use pick with leashes that wrap around the wrist.

Crampons: A metal frame that straps onto the bottom of boots and has spikes that stick out of the front and bottom for setting your feet into the ice.

Ice screws: Used as anchors for safety ropes.

Harness: Worn around the waist. This is where safety ropes are attached.

Helmet: Self-explanatory.

Skills

Rhythm: Ice climbing is a simple rhythm: hand, hand, foot, foot. A climber swings the pick with one hand and hooks into the ice. Then you swing the other pick. After the picks are set, you follow with steps, one at a time.

A good stick: How do you know your pick is secure? The key is to pick a concave spot on the ice and swing the pick with a quick wrist motion, like you would a hammer. Don’t move the pick side to side, just give it a little tug straight down to check if it’s secure.

Leg strength: Use leg strength to push yourself up. Tap on the ice with the front spikes of your crampons a few times to form a small ledge for your foot to rest on.

Brain power: Ice climbing is about patience and picking the best place to put your pick and crampons. Take time. Turn your head when swinging the pick to protect your face from falling ice chunks