Ice is for climbing too
Even in the cold, cold city of Rexburg, ice is a chilling phenomenon that is often underestimated.
Few, for example, see ice as anything other than a hazardous condition in which to drive. But for others, such as Bruce Nielson and Dean Lords, ice represents opportunity.
Not only can you skate, ski, fish, sled, race and curl on ice, you can also climb it. But why climb ice?
For me, ice climbing is an avenue to explore the vertical world in winter months,
said Lords, a former BYU‑Idaho student.
Lords first became involved in ice climbing 12 years ago to develop the skills necessary for mountain climbing. Before long, however, Lords was hooked.
After a few seasons, it started to become as much of a passion as alpine and rock climbing,
Lords said. Living in Idaho, long winters kept me from rock climbing, but now with the desire and skills to climb frozen waterfalls, I can be in the mountains, moving through beautiful terrain and climbing to the top of something fun.
Fun
is exactly how Nielson, a junior from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, describes the sport. I love the feel of the spray of ice crystals that comes from swinging ice tools into the ice,
Nielson said.
Nielson got involved in ice climbing through the BYU‑Idaho Outdoor Activities program. Scott Hurst is the Student Outdoor Activities coordinator. He has ice climbed for eight years, and leads student ice climbing expeditions.
[Ice climbing] is a unique winter sport,
Hurst said. It’s extremely fun, and allows you to keep active in the winter. It is a winter extension of rock climbing … and different than cross country skiing and other winter sports.
Ice tools, boots, crampons, screws, gloves and ropes are all basic equipment necessary for the aspiring ice climber.
Hurst estimates a rough total of $1,500 for all of the essential gear. However, for $25 students can sign up to accompany an Outdoors Activities group for an ice climbing trip in the Teton Canyon. The fee includes all climbing equipment, ice tools, crampons, boots and transportation.
Although Nielson and Lords have discovered the fun of ice climbing, not everyone might agree. As with other physically exerting sports, students signing up for an expedition for the first time should expect some difficulties.
Ice climbing isn’t for everyone,
Nielson said. Often it is extremely cold, and climbers devote a lot of time to the approach,
or the hike required to reach the location.
The amount of physical effort required to get to the ice surprises many students,
Hurst said.
Hurst takes many precautions to ensure the safety of the climbers, and though he described the risk as low, Hurst also said that ice climbing is as safe as you want to make it.
Climbers should be aware of the risks involved in order to guard against them. Lords is a professional paid athlete for a Swiss company called Mammut that makes climbing clothing and equipment. He has received international recognition for his extensive climbing achievements and knows well the dangers associated with ice climbing.
Ice climbing is an activity that involves travel in winter conditions,
Lords said. These conditions can be harmful or deadly to the unaware and may include avalanches, severe winter storms, cold temperatures, falling ice and other exposure-related hazards.
Lords recommends learning the necessary skills and techniques from professional ice climbers who are continually active, well-trained and who have credible résumés. 
