Ice Climbing

2km from the base of Franz Josef
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    The weather was beautiful today at Franz Josef Glacier. Although it was slightly overcast, it was just enough to protect us from the sun. It was another early morning, we were down at the guides by 7:30 a.m.

There were about ten other people in our group headed up the glacier for a day of ice climbing. Most of them had never ice climbed before so we both felt a sense of relief. Once we were at the valley floor of the glacier it was another 2km walk to the base and another 200m vertical climb in addition to a long hike through the cravases to the climb site.

Glacier Ice
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Once we were at the base of the wall, the group spent the rest of the day ascending, setting new anchors and trying new techniques. We had 3 guides in total and they provided many helpful tips in an effort to make us better climbers.

In short, we both found that ice climbing is very different than rock climbing. Everything comes from your legs. You must maintain a fairly wide stance at all times and keep your arms straight above you. Its a 4 point motion making moves up the wall. First, pick with you left, then pick with your right, set your left foot and finally set your right foot and repeat. Exhausting, yet absolutely amazing. I may have found my new hobby!

Reaching the top
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Some of the walls were a bit challenging and thankfully we were top-roping and had a chance to break and have another crack at it. On my last run I tried climbing only using 1 ice pick! I made it about 70% of the way but was challenged in finding the proper foot stance to send the route.

The hike down the glacier was even more beautiful than the hike up. In the late afternoon sunlight the blue glacier ice really stood out and made for some great shots.

Finally back at the lodge and taking a break before making dinner and packing up to head south to Queenstown.