Video: The basics of ice climbing: ice screw placement, belays, v-threads
Basic Techniques
Warning
- Carefully read the Instructions for Use referenced in this Tech Tip before reading the Tech Tip itself. You must have read and understood the Instructions for Use to understand this supplementary information.
- Performing these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
- We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. Other techniques not described here may also exist.
When waterfalls freeze and gullies are in shape again in the mountains, ice climbers sharpen the blades of their ice axes and bring out all their winter paraphernalia.
This film presents ice screw placement techniques, the creation of belay stations and abalakovs for ice climbing.
We discuss the technical points, but remember that when ice climbing, it is particularly important to remain very aware of the environment you are progressing through.
The ice quality, its structure, the terrain above, and recent temperature variations are essential factors to consider before committing to an ice climb.
