Mixed climbing is a combination of
ice climbing and
rock climbing generally using ice climbing equipment such as
crampons
A crampon is a traction device that is attached to footwear to improve mobility on snow and ice during ice climbing. Besides ice climbing, crampons are also used for secure travel on snow and ice, such as crossing glaciers, snowfields and ice ...
and
ice tool
Ice is water frozen into a solid state, typically forming at or below temperatures of 0 degrees Celsius or Depending on the presence of impurities such as particles of soil or bubbles of air, it can appear transparent or a more or less opaqu ...
s.
Mixed climbing has inspired its own specialized gear such as boots which are similar to
climbing shoes but feature built-in
crampons
A crampon is a traction device that is attached to footwear to improve mobility on snow and ice during ice climbing. Besides ice climbing, crampons are also used for secure travel on snow and ice, such as crossing glaciers, snowfields and ice ...
.
Dry-tooling
Dry-tooling is a form of rock climbing in which ice axes are used to climb rock that is not covered in snow or ice. It has its origins in mixed climbing, ice climbing and more recently sport climbing. Dry tooling is controversial among many c ...
is mixed climbing's most specialized skill and has since evolved into a "sport" unto itself.
Terrain
The terrain that is climbed on is diverse and consists of rock, turf, snow, and ice in varying amounts. Such terrain is typically encountered in the winter season or on high icy mountains.
Grading
Grading of mixed terrain climbs roughly follows the
WI rating system with respect to its physical and technical demands. The scale typically starts at M4 and subgrades of "-" and "+" are commonly used, although the distinctions are often subjective.
Techniques
Climbers participating in mixed climbing use techniques from both ice climbing and rock climbing. The nature of the mixed terrain and has also led to the development of specialist techniques only implemented in mixed or dry tooling terrain, such as stein pulls and pick torquing.
Equipment
A climber chooses their equipment based on the exact conditions and terrain that will be encountered as well as their climbing style and personal preferences. Mixed terrain climbing equipment typically includes both rock and ice climbing equipment. Specialist equipment has also been developed.
See also
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Alpine climbing {{unreferenced, date=March 2019
Alpine climbing (german: Alpinklettern) is a branch of climbing in which the primary aim is very often to reach the summit of a mountain. In order to do this high rock faces or pinnacles requiring several length ...
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Ice climbing
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Rock climbing
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Glossary of climbing terms
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This glossary of climbing terms is a list of definitions of terms and jargon related to rock climbing and mountaineering. The specific terms used can vary considerably between different English-speaking countries; many of the phrases d ...
References
Types of climbing
Types of Mountaineering
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