Developing safe ice climbing skills can help you to reach the summits of alpine peaks that would otherwise be untouchable. Learning proper ice climbing skills can also take you to the realm of waterfall and mixed climbing. No matter what kind of ice climbing you wish to attempt, everything from the boots you wear and the tools you use to the climbing partner… read more
There are four alpine and four ice climbing rating systems used internationally. As always, climbing ratings are subjective systems of classifying a climb's difficulty and are rated assuming a climber has the proper equipment and that the weather is well-mannered. Climbs are often rated by those who first ascend them so guidebooks rely on those who have clim… read more
Sometimes women want to be around other women when enjoying the great outdoors. There are many training programs available to women wanting to learn both rock and ice climbing. No matter what coast you reside on, you can reach one of these clinics year-round with a little travel. You will be able to enjoy not only high quality instruction by some of the best… read more
Ice climbing is a great way to enjoy the winter season, but it also requires some very specific gear. There is plenty of climbing gear that you can re-purpose if you are already a rock climber, but this list is designed to give you the ten essential pieces of ice climbing gear so you can safely enjoy the sport. Keep in mind that much of the gear designed for… read more
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Crampons are ancient tools that were originally worn by early inhabitants of the Caucasus more than 2,000 years ago. Over the years, crampon design has gone from simple iron spiked plates to a four-point crampon in the 19th century to… read more
The practice of climbing on rock, ice and sometimes snow on the same route is known as mixed climbing. Alpinists often encounter conditions on peaks that call for both rock and ice climbing skills, sometimes within the same pitch. This… read more
If you are a person who likes to backpack and also has an interest in mountaineering, then you may be deciding between hiking and mountaineering boots for a trip that includes a little of both. There are several differences to be consi… read more
If you will be carrying an ax or axes on mountaineering or climbing trips, you'll soon learn that attaching one to your pack takes only a few seconds. Many packs are designed to accommodate mountaineering axes or vertical climbing axes… read more
Crampons are an amazing technology that enables mountaineers and ice climbers to reach remote peaks and scale vertical ice pitches. The design of crampons has improved over the decades, from a simple four point design to today's standa… read more
Ice axes are a necessary tool when traveling through glaciated terrain or when ice climbing. Though ice axes are a relatively simple tool they have many uses. They can be used for balance as a walking aid, a belay device for a boot-axe… read more
North Conway is the gateway to New Hampshire's northern outdoor adventures. Whether you are planning a stay in North Conway to ski, ice climb, hike, snowshoe or canoe, there are plenty of fine places to rest your head and gear up for y… read more
Crampons are essentially metal spikes on a frame that may be completely rigid or semi-flexible. The most common crampon configuration has 12 spikes or points, 10 of them facing down, spaced around the foot, and two pointed forward. You… read more
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the north central part of Colorado. The park features incredible mountain views and a wide variety of terrain from wooded forests to rocky peaks. The varied terrain provides many outdoor activ… read more
The Petzl Elios climbing helmet is designed for maximum protection in a minimalist profile. Generous enough to wear over a winter hat for ice climbing and mountaineering, it also has an additional face shield for ice climbing. The adju… read more
The town of Field is located in British Columbia within the Yoho National Park. While hiking you can spot bears, elk, moose, birds and mountain sheep or view Takaka Falls, one of many spectacular waterfalls in the park. Camping and fis… read more
Well-fitted, warm mountaineering boots can mean the difference between a successful ascent and miserable outing. Mountaineering boots have evolved greatly over the past 20 years from the heavy leather, Vibram-soled models of 1960s and… read more
Part of a World Heritage Site, 4,200-square-mile Jasper National Park lies in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and includes the famous Columbia Icefield as well as the largest glacial-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies, Maligne Lake. It is a… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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