The Pick of the Matter
Written by Robert Cotter
An Insight in Ice Technique
"We are Homo Sapiens, the tool users. We earn The name by developing tools to increase our leverage on the world around us ... "
So states Yvon Chouniard, master alpinist and dynamic influence in the evolution of modern ice tools.
While many technologies have contributed to the high standards obvious today in ice climbing, perhaps none is so radical as the development of the toothed, drooped pick tools and the arrival of piolet traction to the realm of alpinism. Piolet traction, the placement of these tools by overhand swing so the pick will give purchase in steep ice has placed an almost limitless bound on what ice may be climbed.
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Ice: the Final Frontier
Written by David Flinn
Often I wonder to myself why certain people are drawn to frozen water. Not just from the perspective of an ice skater, but to that of those who search out vertical waterfalls. And not only to view the sparkling blue beauty, but mainly the desire to smash, thrash, and climb up these hunks of ice sculpture. One of my buddies loves the cold. All summer long he moans because he can't wear his "'fuzzy" pants. He mumbles about winter's lack of bugs and crowds. If one mentions snow or ice, his complexion stiffens and a strange faraway look enters his eyes. Oh yes, snow and ice ...
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