Five years ago, I got on a plane from Switzerland to come and compete in the world class Ouray Ice Festival. Little did I know how much this event would change my life. Upon arriving here, I drove to Telluride to climb the classic Ames Ice Hose, a striking WI5 three pitch line. While rappelling the route, I mistakingly dropped my ice axes, which almost took out the leader of the party below. I apologized, he forgave me and six months later, we were married.

Most of the year I travel and don’t occupy any living quarters for more than a month. It takes a getting used to if you aren’t accustomed this sort of life but, I assure you as well…it is bliss. The past 6 months I have been in France, Spain, Colorado, Utah, Texas, and even New Mexico. All for climbing.

Winter is basically here and it’s the time of year when people start heading off on climbing trips to warmer climes…particularly popular are those dreamy, tropical oceanside crags in Thailand, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, etc. But before you go trusting those bolts and anchors, BEWARE!

Updated 2/2/2010: Thanks to our Twitter followers, we were about to round up enough vintage TIKKAs for use in the film. We are no longer in need of more headlamps. Thanks for your help!

Writer, climber and guide Majka Burhardt has a penchant for combining adventure climbing and travel to exotic destinations. She does this with a heart-felt emphasis on gaining an greater understanding of the places she visits and the people inhabiting them.

by Beth Rodden

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that everyone had a wonderful time climbing, spending time with family, or doing nothing at all.

Early last month, Petzl athlete and guide, Caroline George headed up to Bozeman to participate in the Hyalite Ice Breaker Ice Climbing Competition. As many of you may know, the event was marked by great tragedy when ice climbing legend Guy Lacelle was killed by an avalanche.