The most common way for the belayer to tie in to the anchor is with the climbing rope itself, using the first few feet of rope as it comes from its tie-in at the belayer's harness.

Rope handling takes practice. When belaying the leader, never let the rope get taut, because that would impede the climber's next move.

Succinct voice commands allow climbers to communicate even when they can not see each other.

Belaying is a bedrock technique of climbing safety, a system of using a rope to stop a fall if one should occur.

Knowing the technique of planting the ice-ax shaft to help guard yourself against falls while snow climbing is as important as knowing what to do if it occurs.

Climbers have many ways to minimize the risk of avalanches and to increase their chances of survival if one hits.

As in other forms of roped climbing, ice climbers have the options of using running belays or fixed belays.

Ice climbers have several options for anchors to use in belaying or rappelling, including ice bollards, the Abalakov V-thread, and multiple ice screws.

Modern ice screws offer dependable security on ice climbs. However, there is some sacrifice of safety in the time and energy it takes to put them in place.

The objective of placing any ice tool is to establish a solid placement with one swing.

Ice climbers usually employ features of 2 basic techniques, depending on steepness of the slope, conditions of the ice, and their ability and confidence level.

Climbers tie the rope into a harness designed to distribute the force of a fall over a larger percentage of the body.

Carabiners are another versatile and indispensable tool of climbing.

The ice ax is one of the most versatile and important pieces of mountaineering equipment, allowing you to venture onto all forms of snow and ice, enjoying a greater variety of mountain landscapes during more seasons of the year.

Modern ice axes require little special care, beyond keeping them clean and sharp.