If you have a deep passion for challenges and don’t find rock climbing tricky enough, it’s time to switch tracks to ice climbing. In the UK, there’s nothing quite like ice climbing in colder months to get your adrenaline pumping. You know, ascending up the frozen mountains, icy cliffs, or snowy landscapes introduces you to a whole new angle of Great Britain.
While it helps you explore the best of the UK thrillingly, ice climbing is nothing like your average winter sport. Instead, it’s way more intense and perhaps even comes with challenges you never saw coming. That’s where a guide comes in. Tell you everything, from the best spots and power station selection to showing you all the ropes.
So, if you’ve got an adventurous spirit, you don’t want to miss out on the charm of ice climbing in the UK. So, we’ve put together this guide that has everything you need to know about the sport!
About Ice Climbing
Before we head to this guide, it’s worth exploring ice climbing and why most folks refer to it as the “extreme sport.” Many Britons take the leap every year. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of ice climbing to know if it’s worth a shot for you:
1. Is Ice Climbing Harder Than Rock Climbing?
Simply answered, yes. Although ice climbing might seem a lot like rock climbing on the outside, it’s way trickier and far more unpredictable. Falling off during ice climbing means a chance of injuring yourself.
This is because ice can break, melt, or crack anytime. Sharp crampons and hard ice clearly mean that a fall could mean severe cuts or broken bones. Plus, ice climbing also depends on weather conditions. So, it’s safe to say that unless you’re skilled and geared up enough, ice climbing might get pretty treacherous!
2. The Charm of Ice Climbing
Despite the challenges of ice climbing, one can’t turn a blind eye to the unique charm of it, especially in the UK. Here’s a list of factors that make this tricky sport worth all the risks involved:
- Unique Scenery
Above all, ice climbing lets you explore the UK’s stunning winter views up close. From frozen cliffs and snow-capped mountain peaks to icy gullies, the experience is truly surreal.
- Self-challenge and Breakthrough
If you’re a thrill-seeker, nothing pushes you to challenge yourself more than ice climbing through the UK’s slopes. Getting through each step to finally reach the top is no small feat, which tells you exactly what you’re capable of.
- Team Collaboration
A sport as bold as climbing the ice requires a solid team effort. Since you rely on your partners for safety, guidance, and motivation, it evokes the team player in you. When achieved together, the ice climbing experience becomes way more fun.
- Relax Both Physically and Mentally
It goes without saying that climbing through tricky ice formations is a fantastic way to clear your mind of other concerns at the moment. Even better, it’s a full-body workout that leaves you recharged and ready for more.
3. What Should Be Noted During Ice Climbing?
If you’re up for the challenge, it’s time to take a step ahead already. But there are a couple of things to note during ice climbing in the UK to make the most out of your experience. Here’s what the list includes:
- Weather & Terrain Assessment
Weather in the UK might take unexpected turns, especially in the freezing cold areas you have on your goal list. Similarly, terrains may be pretty complex or rugged, even more so if you’re a beginner. So, it’s best to check the weather forecast and assess the thickness, texture, and stability of the ice to ensure safe climbing on the surface.
- Wear & Use Equipment Correctly
While most people ignore it, this is the most critical part of your ice-climbing journey. Wear and handle your equipment the right way. Check the integrity and functionality of the equipment before each use to ensure there is no damage or wear. You can also learn tips for navigating ice axes and crampons from experienced climbers.
Moreover, you need to wear multi-layer waterproof and breathable clothing suitable for cold environments, as well as warm gloves and thick socks.
- Security Awareness
As with every other sport, your security must be the top priority. Make sure to double-check your climbing gear, keep an eye out for harsh conditions, and keep in touch with your group or partners to stay secure all along.
In addition, carrying necessary rescue equipment such as first aid kits, satellite phones, or personal locators can also help prevent danger.
- Physical and Skill Training
Moreover, it’s worth noting that ice climbing is a physically exhausting sport that requires a specific skill set to pull off. So, before you head out for your grand adventure in the UK, train your strength and flexibility and work on your climbing techniques beforehand!
What Equipment is Needed for Ice Climbing?
As a technical, super gear-dependent sport, it’s no surprise why having the right equipment for ice climbing means half the battle won. The unforgiving environment up there isn’t worth the risk, so it’s essential to have your equipment ready.
Here’s a basic list of (non-negotiable) equipment you’ll need for ice climbing:
1. Personal Equipment
Let’s begin with the basics. Here’s a basic checklist of personal gear you’ll need to set forth on your ice-climbing journey in the UK:
- Ice Climbing Boots:Warm, tough, and insulated climbing boots are the key requirement for ice climbing. They help keep your feet planted on the snowy terrain, preventing slips.
- Ice Axes: Ice axes are used by climbers to maintain balance and protect themselves during the climbing process.
- Crampons: These traction devices or spiked attachments are firmly attached to your boots to help you move around on the snow and latch successfully.
- Climbing Harness: Purpose-built climbing harnesses secure you so you’re safe and connected while you enjoy your adventure.
- Helmets: Helmets can prevent the head from being hit by falling ice blocks and are essential protective equipment when climbing on ice. A lightweight and comfortable helmet should be selected.
- Clothing: Ensure you’ve packed an “action suit," which is waterproof and insulated to stay warm and dry while climbing through the ice.
2. Auxiliary Tools
Once you’ve packed up the essentials, it’s time to shift focus to secondary tools that offer additional help. Some of them include:
- Ropes: Ropes clip into multiple anchor points to prevent injuries and accidents.
- Quickdraws and Ice Screws: Quickdraws are quick-connect devices used to quickly connect ropes to protective points (ice screws). It is usually composed of a metal lock buckle and a rope loop, which can withstand large tensile forces.
- Gloves: Make sure you carry insulated gloves that are flexible enough to handle the equipment. Don’t forget to carry some spare pairs too.
- Backpacks: Choose a large backpack to carry everything you need for a comfortable yet top-tier ice climbing experience.
- Food and Water: For energy, it’s essential to pack high-calorie foods throughout the day. Adding enough calories gears you up for the demanding sport. Bring along an insulated water bottle that won’t freeze your water.
- First Aid Kits: Don’t forget to have a well-stocked first aid kit that covers everything from bandages for bleeding to pills for headaches. When in freezing mountains, self-sufficiency is the key!
3. Portable Power Source
Here’s another extremely important addition to your toolkit: a portable power station. When in remote areas, you’re far away from grids or power outlets, which leaves you with no way to charge your devices. You eventually lose touch with your partners as soon as your battery is depleted or you fail to navigate unfamiliar terrain because your GPS no longer works.
Luckily, battery generators ensure you’re powered up throughout your adventure. This lets you steer clear of power struggles and focus on your sport!
Jackery Outdoor Portable Power Source: Your Ultimate Ice-climbing Companion
At Jackery, we understand how valuable your adventures are for you, especially if they’re as tricky as climbing the ice through the UK’s challenging landscapes. So, here are some battery generators that help you make the most out of your trip. As they generate electricity through solar power, you don't need to carry fuel and don't have to worry about heavy luggage during ice climbing.
1. Jackery Solar Generator 240 v2
Our Jackery Solar Generator 240 v2 is a compact 300W power generator with 256Wh capacity that’s fit for all your ice-climbing adventures in the UK. Designed to be small enough to slide in your backpack, it has a foldable handle and buckles for simplicity. It has five charging ports, ensuring all your essential devices, including phones, cameras, and GPS devices, are powered up throughout the adventure.
With an upgraded LFP battery, it offers a longer lifespan and up to 3,000 cycles to make it last up to 10 years. Plus, it operates quietly at just 42dB to ensure you’re both comfortable and ready to take on any power challenges, no matter where you are.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
Next up, our Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is yet another exceptional battery generator designed to facilitate your ice-climbing journeys. With a 288Wh capacity and 300W output, it’s also small yet efficient enough to serve all your power needs on the go.
Better yet, the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus can be recharged in just two hours via a wall outlet and four hours via one Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panel. In addition to its whisper-quiet operation, it’s also perfectly eco-friendly. The 5-year warranty we offer with this model lets you ice-climb comfortably for years.
3. Jackery Solar Generator 500
Finally, our Jackery Solar Generator 500, when powered with the Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel, makes the ultimate outdoor equipment for you. It provides 518Wh capacity and 500W output. With its lightweight design, you can use it both for indoor and outdoor ice climbing in the UK.
The operating temperature range of the Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is 14-104 ℉ (-10-40 ℃), and the operating temperature range of the Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel is 14-149℉ (-10-65 ℃), suitable for most ice climbing areas.
Also, our Jackery Solar Generator 500 can be perfectly compatible with sensitive devices. With this model in your toolkit, while you’re out trekking through snow-capped peaks, you can be at peace and have all your devices powered.
Where to Go Ice Climbing in the UK?
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro climber who’s eyeing your first ice-climbing adventure, there are some thrilling spots for you to go ice-climbing in London or Scotland. Let’s break down the two categories to make it simpler:
1. Indoor Ice Climbing Fields
Some indoor ice walls in the UK, such as the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven, have a 12-meter wall that’s excellent for beginners. This place lets you enjoy climbing without needing an instructor, offering a safe space to learn the basics. Once you’ve built confidence here, you’re ready to head outdoors.
2. Outdoor Ice Climbing Fields
If you know how to climb ice in an expert manner, you can head outdoors to enjoy trekking through the natural ice. Outdoor ice-climbing fields are fit for professionals and enthusiasts who’ve had years of experience in ice climbing.
- Ben Nevis: This iconic mountain for ice climbing Scotland is the ultimate challenge for advanced climbers, with epic routes all to the summit.
- Lake District:Known for its glaciers, this field in the UK has both easy and tricky ice-climbing routes for everyone.
- Snowdonia:As the mountainous region and national park in Wales, it is a popular choice among many ice climbers.
- Cairngorms: Located in the eastern highlands of Scotland, Cairngorms offers masses the best ice-climbing experience out there.
Wrapping Up
To wrap it up, it’s obvious that ice climbing in the UK is nothing short of an extraordinary experience you don’t want to miss out on. Especially if you’re a thrill seeker, checking out Britain’s tricky ice climbing routes is an experience like none other.
With models like Jackery Solar Generator 240 v2, Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus, and Jackery Solar Generator 500, we’ve got all your powered needs covered. Whether you’re powering your GPS to climb through remote landscapes or simply wish to keep your photography equipment ready, our generators make everything a breeze for you!
Visit the Jackery website now to get one for your ice climbing.
