Ice Climbing

Ice climbing involves ascending frozen waterfalls, glaciers, and ice-covered rock faces using crampons, ice axes, and specialised techniques that must account for the structural instability of the medium itself. Unlike rock, ice can fracture unpredictably; seracs (ice towers) on glaciers can collapse without warning and have killed experienced climbers on technical ascents. Will Gadd of Canada has pioneered some of the most demanding ice climbs in the world, including a first ascent of Niagara Falls in 2015; Angelika Rainer is the most decorated competitive ice climber in the sport's history.