Bwm-mountain-climbing-during-winter

Dos and Donts for Mountain Climbing during Winter

If youre considering attempting mountain climbing during winter, heres what you should know before hitting the sports shops for crampons and other ice climbing tools.

If you dont come from a place thats visited by winter, make sure that you spend an adequate time allowing your body to adjust and acclimate itself to this season. Mountain climbing during winter is only a viable solution for you if youre sure that your body has adjusted properly to the intensely of the colder climate.

If you dont come from a place where theres snow, be sure to spend sufficient time as well acquainting yourself to traveling in snow. Take the time to learn about basic emergency tips as well as for common accidents, injuries, and illnesses caused by winter.

Ice climbing is arguably the most difficult of all types of mountain climbing so if your skills belong only to the beginners category, you definitely need to polish your skills before you can be sure that you wont die on your first attempt. Ice climbing, albeit exciting, is absolutely a dangerous sport as well.

Consult with a professional and see what he thinks about your skills. If he doesnt think youre up to the rigors of mountain climbing during winter, dont push your luck and proceed with your plans. Read more, practice more, and youll soon be ready for it. Be patient!

When choosing what clothes to wear or bring for mountain climbing during winter, always consider practicality over fashion. Although the latest trends in winter clothing may seem irresistible, looking good wont get you anywhere if they cant provide you with adequate protection as you start climbing icy slopes.

There will be times that your hands will seem too numb or frozen to be as nimble as they are, and this will make tying knots more difficult. As such, its important that you learn how to tie your rope quickly and efficiently so that you can continue doing them successfully even if youre slightly handicapped because of the weather.

The usual shoes youre wearing for mountain climbing is probably ineffective if youre planning to climb during the winter. Do purchase a pair that will allow you to tread safely on snowy and slippery slopes.

Last but not least, avoid climbing alone. Whether youre mountain climbing during summer or winter, you should have a companion with you because two brains always work better than one.