Random: Has anyone gone ice climbing?

tmclawchick

I'm on this kick where I want to get into hardcore mountaineering; I've always been more of a gentle hiker, but after a few months of daydreaming, I think I'm going to sign up for this "ice climbing basics" course through REI. You basically go up to this little town in NH and they show you all the basics over a weekend. Sounds cool and perfect for someone who knows nothing about it (ahem, me). The only thing that's holding me back a little is the cost (a little over $500 for the course + airfare up to NH & rental car to drive ~65 miles to the town... so it'd probably run around 800ish)... wondering if anyone has experience in ice climbing/words of wisdom/other alternatives or recommendations? I feel like I could probably do this for a lot less... hmph....

 

emmyg65

Not personally, but my dad is a huge ice-climber and mountaineer. He got into it the old-fashioned way: making friends and learning through them, over several years. He started out rock climbing, then I guess met some folks who ice climb, and then started mountaineering. Ice climbing is pretty specialized and dangerous, so it's best to learn from experts. Plus, you need a fair amount of not-cheap gear. It sounds like the REI class might be a good way to see if you like it before laying out more money.

climbingsingle

My FI ice climbed last year. We're supposed to go again this year too. It will be my first time. Same as PP, my FI started rock climbing and then met people that ice climb. Having the right gear is really essential. 

hikebikebemerry

I'm all for trying new things, however- I'm a safety nut.  I think it would be better to start out doing more winter hikes that can be done with microspikes so you can slowly build up your gear (this is under the assumption that most "gentle hikers" I know don't do winter hikes, so if I'm wrong I apologize).  If you're trying to get into mountaineering in general, try checking out some of the hiking meetup groups- you could start there, and then learn more about it.

I'm also wary of a group of completely inexperienced ice climbers trying to climb; maybe I just need to lay off the books about catastrophes.

If you do decide to do it, please post back to let us know how it was!

tmclawchick

Thanks for all the tips, I'm leaning towards doing it! I'm a little nervous about safety, but REI always has great client reviews so maybe it's worth the extra for peace of mind... I want to go NOW!

lovesclimbing

I've been ice climbing.  It's really fun.  You do need good gear.  The time I went, I had these really really cheesy crampons and one of them fell half off (so it was just hanging from my ankle) part way up so I had to come back down before completing the route.  It sucked.  REI sells really good gear, though, and I'm guessing they're providing it with that kind of price?

Ice climbing is more dangerous than other forms of mountaineering and it is more dangerous than regular rock climbing (because it's easier to cut your rope if you hit it with an ice ax or if you get the rope under your crampon if you fall with the rope around your leg).  All of those can be avoided, though, by just being careful.

It is really fun!  I love both rock and ice climbing!

smalfrie19

I have been glacier climbing before and that was a lot of fun ..unfortunately it was a week trip paired with sea kayaking and I ended up with altitude sickness because of the quick change from sea level to the top of mt baker.