Checklist for Alpine/Ice Climbing

Whether you’ve chosen alpine/ice climbing for the adventure, the weather, or the thrill of climbing in dangerous, wintry conditions, you’ll need to ensure that your bags are always stocked to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Ice climbing is the sport of climbing glaciers, although alpine climbers may also find themselves scaling the icy cliffs of frozen waterfalls, mountains, and rock faces.

‘Alpine ice’ is typically found in a mountain environment, requiring the user to ascend to the iced area and then continue onwards with the goal of summiting the mountain. On the other hand, ‘water ice’ is usually found on a cliff or other outcropping beneath water flows and is generally chosen as a more technical challenge rather than a component of a longer route. Alpine ice is frozen precipitation whereas water ice is a frozen liquid flow of water. For both of these scenarios, you’ll likely need much of the same gear for a safe and secure summit.

Additionally, many icy slopes may also mesh with exposed rocks, forcing the climber to experience ‘mixed climbing’. In these instances, also make sure that you’ve stocked gear from our rock climbing checklist as well. Similarly, those planning a multi-day trip will also want to pack their camping and hiking supplies.

Click here  to download a printable PDF shopping list.

Alpine/Ice Climbing Essentials

Depending on the route you’ve chosen and the icy conditions of said route, you may need to stock all or some of the items from this list. Quantities of hardware will depend heavily on the route and your partners as well. Before heading out, be sure to check all of your hardware and gear to ensure its integrity, as a broken harness or crampon can be deadly when suspended on an icy slope.

Basic Gear

Beyond the essentials, there are many basic items that you need to ensure you’ve stocked in your pack for a safe and comfortable trip. Remember that those with longer or more technical routes may require more of these items as opposed to someone opting for a short route.

Clothing

The attire you choose to wear for your alpine/ice climbing trip can make or break your experience altogether. Nowadays, many pieces of winter sports clothing and accessories are designed with user comfort and safety in mind, making for a more enjoyable experience overall. In fact, opting to forego many of the basics is simply not an option if you truly want to spend some time out on the slopes without getting frostbite or suffering other ailments.

First Aid/Emergency Gear

Alpine and ice climbing presents a number of hazards, and one slip can trigger a chain of events that can turn deadly. Crevasses and avalanches are common on glacial and wintry mountain terrains, so packing for worst-case scenario is key to ensuring that you’re prepared in an emergency.

A good rule of thumb is to leave your trip itinerary with a friend as well as in your vehicle (under your car seat) in case you become disoriented, lost, or injured. In this manner, not only will your friends have your information, but emergency personnel can also have quick access to documents should they come across your vehicle.