Such looming danger plays a role in the gear ice climbers wear on their journeys. A helmet is key, along with a harness and ropes to keep climbers tied to safety should they slip off of the ice. Climbers fasten the ropes to the ice with screws, then one climber takes control of the ropes, keeping their eyes and concentration focused on the person heading up the ice. Trust in the person controlling those safety ropes becomes as important as strength and stamina while climbing. Climbers use an ice tool, which looks like a big pick, and crampons to actually navigate the ice.
Crampons are spike-soled boots.
Better technology and earlier access allow more people to take a try at scaling ice these days. Still, there are a couple of elemental factors that haven't changed. Then you have to check your courage. Rockafellow says that part of climbing is getting over your fear. According to Rockafellow, climbs of about 45 feet can be completed in an afternoon.