If you’re even thinking of trying ice climbing, you have the spirit of adventure. Let’s cover some basics, plus give a few tips and tricks so you have the best day on belay at the Ouray Ice Park.
The Ouray Ice Park in Ouray, Colorado, is a place where climbers from all over the world come together to refine their skills and push themselves to their best in a teal-blue world of ice and exploration. It’s also a place of learning. Guide services and new climbers abound. This is your chance to blow your mind.
Required basics
Climbing helmet: A certified rock climbing helmet is fine.
Crampon compatible mountaineering boots: Look for a boot with the specific toe and heal grove designed to work with a step-in crampon. Strap-on crampons will work but are less than ideal.
Crampons: Go semi-automatic. While not completely rigid, these operate similar to a ski binding and fasten securely to a mountaineering boot designed for them.
Climbing harness: There are specific ice climbing harnesses, but a rock climbing harness will do.
All of these items are readily available to rent or can be provided by a guide service. You’ll also need ice axes, called tools; however, in a learning scenario those can be shared among a group of new climbers.
Learning the ropes
With hundreds of routes available for climbing in the Ouray Ice Park, groups of two or more commonly set up a top rope system where climbers are essentially tied into a rope that is safely anchored to a point above them as they are belayed, or secured, by their partner, usually on the ground below them. The belayer takes up slack in the rope as the climber ascends.
Linguistics 101
Along with the skills and gear to set up a top rope system are various commands, part of a language that needs to be learned so safety is always understood and communicated (check out the fun glossary of commonly used ice climbing terminology below). This is where a trusted, experienced climber or, better yet, a guide service comes in. In fact, some of the most accomplished mountain guides in the world work and live in Ouray.
These guide services are permitted to operate within the Ouray Ice Park:
Clothing system
Layers
Just like any winter activity, think layers. A base layer of wool or synthetic against the skin is ideal, wicking moisture away from your body to keep you dry and comfortable. A middle insulating layer will trap body heat under an outer protective layer that guards you from the elements like wind, rain, snow and cold air.
A word on socks
It’s 2019. The world is amazing and so is modern footwear. Putting on several pair of socks is unnecessary. Choose a pair of synthetic or wool socks that fit your feet and make sure sure your boots fit as well. If you insist on doubling up, consider just a thin liner under your sock.
Outerwear
If you like your ski pants, don’t wear them.
Ski wear will work, but most pieces are cut a bit baggy, and considering you’ll be unaccustomed to walking and climbing with crampons (sharp-fanged traction devices on your feet) your pant legs can take a beating. The same goes for a jacket. A shell might be safe from crampons but not those novice swings of an ice axe. For functionality and practicality, a slimmer fit all around will improve the experience.
Gloves
A good practice is to keep some warm gloves for non-climbing, then climb in a pair of thinner superior quality gloves. Keep the gloves you’re not wearing in your jacket close to your body so they’re warm when you put them back on. Again, for climbing and gripping the handle of an ice tool, you’ll appreciate a proper fit.
Down time
The act of climbing will warm you, but as soon as you’re back on level ground put on that big cozy puffy down or synthetic jacket, even if you’re comfortable. Think of it this way: It’s much easier to stay warm than it is to warm up.
If you are getting cold, put your backpack on and take a walk. Do some jumping jacks. Find a hill to march up and down a few times. Generating body heat is the best way to get warm in a cold canyon. Remember, the Ouray Ice Park is a canyon made of ice in the middle of winter at 7,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains.
The environment
“ICE!”
Ice shatters in fragments and falls, especially when people climb it. And just like with rock climbing, helmets are as much about what’s coming down from above than anything else. Be aware of what is and who is above you. When someone yells “ice,” that means ice coming down from above you. Stay clear of the line of fire.
Walk the planks
You might find some areas where boards are laid across open sections of running or standing water at the bottom of the canyon. Think of this as part of the adventure. Odds are if they are there, it’s the best possible way to cross open water. You can find your own way but you risk stepping through the ice and into the creek. Trust us, people walk over these all day all season long. Enjoy the thrill.
A word on caution
Don’t let the word “park” throw you. The Ouray Ice Park is a rugged, narrow canyon in the Rocky Mountains, carved by rushing water and gravity. Walking on the edge of it poses real danger. Walking or, really climbing down into it, can and does push the comfort zone of some visitors. As soon as you enter the Ouray Ice Park, you need to be aware that it’s on you to be safe. Use fixed lines, use steps, use the planks, and always stay alert to others around you.
Tips
Here are some finer details from experienced park regulars who know how to make even the coldest days fun.
- Take a big thermos full of hot coffee or tea or other hot liquid. It’s amazing what a jolt of hot fluids will do on a cold day. Plus it’s a great way to make friends.
- Take cold-proof snacks: chocolate covered peanuts, sausage, cheese –anything that won’t freeze solid in a few hours or, if it does, will taste good.
- Buffs (a tube of lightweight fabric you can use as part of your attire) are great comfort items. Keep them handy. If one gets icky, swap it out.
- Use clear lens eyewear to protect your eyes but will allow you still see. Ice flies everywhere, so you’ll need that protection.
- Hot pockets in your pockets.
- Don’t over-tighten your boots, because you will reduce circulation to your feet.
- Don’t wear cotton. During exertion cotton absorbs sweat like a sponge, creating an evaporative cooling effect for your body by holding moisture next to you skin. Go with synthetic or merino wool fabrics against the skin and remember to think in terms of layers: base layers, insulating layers and outer layers.
- Don’t step on the rope. Remember you have sharp pointy things on you feet and that rope is your lifeline. Treat it with respect.
- Take some hand cream. Your skin won’t be happy after you a few days of cold hands in a pair of damp gloves.
Parking is an issue at the park on busy days at the Ouray Ice Park. Instead of parking appropriately (or illegally) in the always-full upper lot, go for the lower lots off U.S. Highway 550. Often there is plenty of room and ample sun. The short walk to the park is a nice warm up, and you can tailgate when the day is done.
Get hip to ice climbing terms
Crampon: Traction device that is attached to footwear to improve mobility on snow and ice during ice climbing.
Front points: One or more points at the front of your crampons.
Secondary points: Smaller, shorter points behind the front points that can engage the ice when used efficiently.
Bail (toe and heel): The adjustable wire at the front and rear of a semi-automatic crampon that is essential in fastening to your boot.
Ice tools: Common reference for ice axes.
Belay: To fix and manage a rope in a manner of securing and controlling it.
Belay device: A tool used to aid in belaying.
Tope rope: A manner of securing a rope though a main anchor and then to the climber below it.
Line: Another word for rope.
Slack: Decreasing tension on the rope.
Take: To increase tension on the rope.
Anchor: A point of security, either for a climber or the rope.
Figure eight: A common knot in climbing (and sailing), this stopper knot disables rope from passing through it.
Tie in: To tie into the rope with the figure eight knot.
Triangle: Practical body position while climbing for optimum stability and balance.
Hook: To use the pick of an ice tool to hook a pocket, hole or depression in the ice instead of swinging the tool into the ice.
Pick: The sharp portion of an ice tool that engages with the ice.
Placement: The location of the ice pick on the ice.
Kick: The action of forcing your crampon into the ice.
Spikes: Slang for crampon.
Quickdraw: A set of two carabiners connected by a runner, or strong piece of nylon material, that is used by a lead climber to connect the rope to a kind of protection.
Screaming barfies: A trifecta of things that create a common experience for ice climbers. 1. Tissue ischemia is caused by cold conditions where blood is naturally routed to your core instead of your extremities (hands and forearms). 2. The act of gripping ice tools and climbing with them over head adds to the lack of circulation. 3. When the climb is finished, the arms are lowered and blood returns to the extremities resulting in severe discomfort, and the onset of extreme pain triggers a natural response in the nervous system: nausea. Have fun.
Pump: When your muscles reach their threshold.
Flash pump: When you fatigue more quickly than anticipated.
Lead: Traditional method of climbing where the belayer feeds rope to the climber who ascends the route while placing protection along the way and feeding rope through it in the event of a fall.
Ice screw: The most common and efficient form of protection in ice climbing.
Bomber: Something that has great strength.
The coolest party in Colorado
A great way to get introduced to ice climbing at the Ouray Ice Park is by attending the Ouray Ice Festival, Jan. 24 – 27, 2019. Thousands of ice climbing enthusiasts from around the world attend this annual event where many compete in speed and climbing competitions, and climbers of all levels are taught skills from professional guides and instructors. You can also catch evening presentations from some of the world’s most accomplished climbers and mountaineers.
This post originally appeared on adventurepro.us in December 2018.
