Photo courtesy Jason Eddiel
Jason Eddie, a senior from North Las Vegas, Nev., clings to a wall of ice near the Teton Canyon.

Ice Climbing: BYU-I offers chilly adventure

Jade Betzer BET05002@BYUI.EDU scroll staff

Ice climbing. Not for the weak of heart, the short of breath or the average whiner.

Jason Eddie a senior from North Las Vegas, Nev., a Recreational Leadership major who has ice climbed several times a season for the past few years said, “The people who do this are outgoing — a little bit crazy, but the fun of ice climbing makes it well worth it.”

The ORC sponsors trips to the Teton Canyon where they guide students in ice climbing technique.

“You should be in shape if you want to do it. Work on cardiovascular and definitely try to do some pull-ups,” Eddie said

For those who like adventures and feel like an adrenaline addict, as Eddie, they should try ice climbing.

“If you love adventure you might like ice climbing. Go with people who know how to belay and have had experience,” said Eddie.

Eddie experienced a life-threatening experience while climbing in the Teton Canyon. “I was up on top of the ice climbing and the pillar broke beneath me. The ropes caught me, but it was like a giant icicle. No one was seriously hurt, but one kid scraped his arm.”

Aside from the intensity of a very probable near-death experience, the people who do it are not only the personification of intensity, but as Eddie agrees, kind of crazy.

Bruce Nielson, a junior from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, said that it is amazing. He is infatuated with the very enigmatic and equally endearing lifestyle that crampons and ice axes entail.

“I climbed last year and there will probably be ten or more trips this year,” said Nielson. “The ORC has three or four trips a season, generally December to March, and you can’t get a better deal.”

“The sport can get pricy with all the expensive gear and BYU-Idaho students are lucky to have such great access to gear and organized trips,” Neilson said.

Though Eddie rock climbs more often, he has an overall positive view on ice climbing.

“Ice climbing is a fun sport. It is a good way to get an adrenaline rush,” he said.