Rock, or Ice. Which is your preference?

Question

I had a climbing buddy who just loved his crampons and ice axes. I've got tell you, every time I have been on some serious ice, I was scared to death. I would rather good granite going straight up, than a 30 degree gradient on ice. It just terrifies me to no end. I don't know why, maybe because it's slippery? I just don't feel safe. Give me rock man!

Answer 1

rock ice is way more dangerouse i rock climb and i am just plane scarred to do ice

Answer 2

Yep, ice is waaaay too unpredictable. I'm always too scared to have a good time. Give me rock anytime, maybe some mixed but even that's pushing it.

Answer 3

Not even when I was crazy did I like ice.

I don't even like walking on the stuff now and avoid it when I can..

Answer 4

Many like ice because you make your "holds" as you go with axe and crampon, but ice is always changing and breaking - that is why some people like it - it is very unpredictable.

Others like rock because it is the same each time and (supposedly) more permanent. Just be sure that you test rock and don't assume it is permanent - I've seen some really large rocks come off and it can be just as scary as ice.

I've climbed some couloirs with and without ropes and I'm with you - I don't really like ice. I prefer rock.

Good Luck