Australia & New Zealand Outdoor Adventure Forum

How different it is to Rock climb and climb on icy surface.

I think both need pick and rope for climbing and may be ice may be more slippery and less oxygen depending on the altitude.

Can anyone share the experiences?

I have never gone ice climbing and only rock climbing to a very limited extent, but even hearing the words ice climbing sounds so intimidating and I know that I would end up getting hurt. I cannot rule it out completely though.

I have never dreamed of ice climbing for the simple reason that my body is not accustomed to cold weather. With the movies and documentary on climbing icy mountains, I don't think I could do it. With rock climbing, I had joined a group doing that although I did not climb myself because I didn't have enough training. What I did was to handle the camera for the climbers.

I would prefer rock climbing to ice climbing. I hate the numbness of feet and hands due to cold weather. Breathing itself becomes a forced task. And climbing high in such situations gets really tiresome. I really stay away from ice climbing.

I would prefer Ice Climbing provided I have proper equipment for that. Although, Ice Climbing is far more risky as it's always on higher altitudes. I was talking to one of my neighbors the other day who has a plan to go to The Kosciuszko National Park which in itself is different and unique region and the highest summits in the Australian Alps. He is planning a 5 day climbing tour with one of the famous agencies in this particular region.

The closest I came to ice climbing was actually at the peak of a mountain. It was rather snowy than actually icy. The path got pretty slippery and damp and the crunchy snow made the shoes dig deep making the climb more laborious and tiresome.

The less oxygen at the higher altitude makes the matter worst. Unfortunately unlike at the base, towards the peak you begin to feel the steepness of the ascent and going against the gravity with luggage and heavy clothing just drags you backward.

We had just used the spiky-soled shoes and a walking stick despite the snow. However, I believe icy terrains may need a lot of gear with supportive system to back a body incase it slides off.

Ouch, this seems really technical, I dare to say it's for experts. I've tried rock climbing with experienced people, and they had the necessary gear to keep us safe. As for ice climbing I think it's even more technical and requires even more specialized gear, so I don't think we should ever try it unless we are in the company of someone prepared and with experience.

Decentlady wrote:The closest I came to ice climbing was actually at the peak of a mountain. It was rather snowy than actually icy. The path got pretty slippery and damp and the crunchy snow made the shoes dig deep making the climb more laborious and tiresome.

The less oxygen at the higher altitude makes the matter worst. Unfortunately unlike at the base, towards the peak you begin to feel the steepness of the ascent and going against the gravity with luggage and heavy clothing just drags you backward.

We had just used the spiky-soled shoes and a walking stick despite the snow. However, I believe icy terrains may need a lot of gear with supportive system to back a body incase it slides off.

You remind me of my several visits to Gulmarg and Khilanmarg in Kashmir valley during winters when the area is fully covered with ice and the experience of climbing the distance starting from Tungmarg is no lesser than Ice Climbing in itself. I have done that several times during my stay in Kashmir and if one goes further all the way to Khilanmarg at about 11000 ft is an experience in itself.

I think that ice is more prone to have avalanches or have weaker surfaces than rock having rock slides or weak surfaces. Also, when it comes to the cold, you tend to shiver a lot and your hands can begin to become numb which isn't good at all since you're depending on your fingers to guide you up or down. During heavy weather, your eyesight also becomes hindered during ice climbing.

I am not use to ice climbing, and would fear injuries or slipping over. I think it's going to be exciting form of sport which maybe more advanced than ice skating. I'd be willing to take training on mastering this form of activity.