A Growing Sport | Understanding Water Ice Ratings | Hot Spots for Cool Ice | Mountaineering Guides

A Growing Sport

First, a big caveat: if you're interested in ice climbing but have never tried it, please don't venture out on your own. This isn't a "learn it as you go " sport. You need to master the proper techniques and safety precautions, and training is absolutely essential. If you can find a climbing club in your area, call them and ask about beginners' courses. Barring that, call your local outdoor sports shop; chances are, someone will be able to point you in the right direction.

Ice climbing is still a relatively young sport, but in recent years it's been gaining popularity. Advances in gear and exposure on programs such as ESPN's "X Games" have started a snowball effect; more and more people are heeding the call of wild ice.

Understanding Water Ice Ratings

Generally in ice climbing, all climbs are rated on the following scale. Climbs in Montana run the range of this scale, so be sure to stay within your ability level.

• WI 1 - Easy walk. The only equipment you'll need is crampons.
• WI 2 - A steep walk. Tools will help.
• WI 3 - Some sections of steep ice. You may encounter some vertical ice, but generally only a few feet at a time. You'll need crampons and two hand tools.
• WI 4 - Continuous sections of steep ice, with rests only on stances in between. You'll need a rope.
• WI 5 - Vertical ice with very few rest stances. To place protection, you'll usually have to hang off tools or the rope.
• WI 6 - Overhanging ice, or rotten vertical ice with only sparse protection.