How to Ice Climb!

This book is aimed at every level of ice climber, from the never-ever
novice all the way up to the seasoned veteran looking to catch up on
modern advancements. It is the long-awaited follow-up to Craig Luebben’s
How to Ice Climb! (FalconGuides, 1999). Unfortunately, Craig was
tragically killed in a mountaineering accident in 2009, so we are honored to
take up the torch and continue where he left off. The idea is that all climbers
can hopefully glean something from these pages. Ice climbing is indeed a
risky activity, but if armed with knowledge and training and experience, it
can provide an incredible opportunity to explore winter in a wild way.
The three main fundamentals that must be mastered to be a skilled ice
climber are hazard management, movement technique, and technical
systems. All three of these skill sets are equally important to develop in
order to decrease risk. This trilogy of ice education is meticulously
described throughout the book. But . . . it is very important to note that a
book is in no way a replacement for proper hands-on training. It doesn’t
matter if you are a first-time neophyte or have been leading ice for many
years—continued skill acquisition and mentorship from trained
professionals is an investment in your longevity as an ice climber. Hire a
guide, join a climbing club, or attend an ice festival. Ice climbing is a
lifelong activity with many lessons to learn.