Snow Camping - Camping in the Snow

Most people associate camping with summertime, but what is all this talk about snow cave camping? Yes, many people do set up camp in the summer but there are also a lot of campers that prefer going outdoors during the cold winter months. For winter campers, adequate protection against the cold and the gusty winds is a must, which is why they invest in special tents and sleeping bags. This is also why many of them like to go snow cave camping, which can provide adequate protection against the chilly weather. What’s interesting about snow cave camping however, is that it can be used both for survival in the wilderness as well as for simple backyard fun.

Snow caves are burrow-like temporary shelters in the snow. If built well, they can be quite sturdy but it is important that you choose the right spot for your snow cave in order to ensure maximum safety and protection.

There are three methods you can use to build a snow cave. The first is by making a pile of snow and digging a hole in the pile. The second is by finding a big snow bank and digging a hole in it. And the third method is by digging downwards into a deep and heavily-packed pile of snow. To create a good-sized snow cave, you would need a pile of snow about 5 feet high and at least 8 feet across.

Snow cave camping does sound like a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. There are certain tools though that you can use to make the task of creating a snow cave much easier, like a shovel and other digging implements. You will also need a tarp to lay out on the floor, as well as something you can use to cover the entrance.

People have been snow cave camping for years. Traditionally, it has only been used as a means for survival in the wintry wilderness but today, many people actually like to go snow cave camping just for the fun of it.

If you are planning to build your own snow cave sometime soon, there is just one thing that you have to keep in mind, and that is the importance of safety. Always stay away from places where avalanches are likely, and make sure you are only digging into a firmly-packed pile of snow.

Other safety precautions include waiting at least two hours after making the snow pile before digging out the cave, and ensuring that the temperature outside does not go below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it may just be too risky for snow cave camping.

Ice Climbing Is An Unreal Ice Trekking Trip

Ice climbing can make for an adventure trek that you will never forget. Many people who are into rock climbing make the transition into ice climbing because the two are very similar. However, there are major differences in them and even a good climber will need to familiarize themselves with ice climbing techniques before going on a trek.

Rock Climbing vs Ice Climbing

Rock climbing and ice climbing both require balance and moving up a vertical area. They are both done in the same environment and produce a similar adventure for the climber. Both also require basic mountaineering skills.

Of course the obvious difference is in the fact that rock climbing generally takes place in warmer periods and ice climbing takes place in frozen terrain. Anyone who has done both also know the change in terrain makes for differences in technique.

Ice climbing create their own balance based upon how they situate themselves on the ice. Ice climbing is also more challenging. Ice is ever changing so you do not ever know exactly what you are getting in a trek. Even if you have climbed an area before you may not know exactly what it will be like this time around. This adds a bit of spice to ice climbing that rock climbing does not have.

Skills for Ice Climbing

The skills needed for ice climbing include the basic skills of mountaineering. Most ice climber’s actual start with doing rock climbing to learn the basics. It is important to get proper instruction because this will let you learn safely and correctly how to climb. A wrong move in climbing, especially ice climbing, can be very dangerous.

There are many ways to learn ice climbing skills. You can take a class, guided tour or get one on one instruction. No matter what method you choose your instruction should revolve around basic climbing skills and learning how to use ice climbing equipment. Ice climbing equipment is sharp and pointy for getting a good grip on the ice and it is dangerous to not use it correctly.

Who Can Ice Climb

Anyone can enjoy ice climbing. It is something that you can do if you are willing to learn and practice your skills. You do not have to be a certain size or weight. It is all about your abilities and that makes it a great option for anyone for an adventure trek.

Ice climbing does require good upper body strength. You may have to put in some time to build up your upper body strength before going on a trek. Ice climbing also requires that you can stand winter weather. You have to be willing to trek in the cold temperatures and sometimes harsh conditions of the icy environment.

Where to Go Ice Climbing

Some people will know right away where they want to go ice climbing. The destinations for ice climbing are limited because it has to be a cold, icy environment. There are top spots for ice climbing all over the world.
In the United States the north western part of the US, like Oregon and Montana are great places for finding ice trekking spots. Mount Hood is Oregon is especially popular with ice climbers. Of course outside the continental United States there is Alaska which offers many challenging areas in which to go ice climbing.

Challenges of Ice Climbing

Ice climbing in its own right it a challenge. It is an adventure into the unknown. Many people choose to go ice climbing because there are no guarantees and you never really know what you are getting into until you into the climb. This sort of thrill is something you can not get with any other climbing trek. It is the unknown adventure that draws people to ice climbing.

There are other challenges, too. One of the biggest challenges with ice climbing is that it is expensive. The equipment alone will cost quite a bit of money. You have to buy all the special winter clothing, tools and safety devices. Even if you already rock climb you will need the special equipment made for ice climbing. It can be as much as $1000 just to get started in ice climbing and that is for just equipment.

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