Collection: Ice & Alpine Climbing

Alpine climbing is a broad term for technical mountaineering that involves ascending high-altitude routes in mountains (like the Alps, Himalayas, or Patagonia).

• Definition: It involves small, self-sufficient teams tackling large, multi-pitch routes that can combine rock climbing, ice climbing, and mixed climbing in an alpine environment.

• The Goal: Typically, the objective is to reach a mountain summit, often via a challenging face or ridge.

• "Alpine Style": This refers to the philosophy of climbing—moving fast and light. Climbers carry all their own gear, don't rely on fixed ropes or porters, and make the ascent in one continuous push, sometimes involving bivouacs (unplanned or minimal overnight stays). This contrasts with "expedition style," which uses base camps and fixed lines.

• The Terrain: Highly varied and exposed. It requires adaptability to constantly changing conditions like rockfall, avalanches, seracs, crevasses, and rapidly shifting weather/ice conditions.