Some of the basics of ice climbing:

Tools:

Ice pick: It looks like a lightweight curved hammer with a pick on one end. You swing and hook it into the ice, then pull up on it as you move your feet and body higher up the ice. For beginners, picks come with leashes that wrap around the wrist to keep it handy.

Crampons: A metal frame that straps onto the bottom of boots and has spikes that stick out of the front and back. The best way to set your feet on the ice.

Ice screws: Used as anchors for safety ropes.

Harness: Worn around the waist to secure the climber to those safety ropes.

Helmet: Self-explanatory.

Skills:

Rhythm: Ice climbing is a simple rhythm: hand, hand, foot, foot. A climber swings the pick with one hand and hooks into the ice. Then you swing the other pick. After the picks are set, you follow with steps, one at a time.

A good stick: How do you know your pick is secure? The key to a good stick is to pick a concave spot on the ice and swing the pick with a quick wrist motion, like you would a hammer. Don’t move the pick side to side once it’s in, just give it a little tug straight down to check if it’s secure.

Leg Strength: Ice climbing isn’t all about upper body strength. Instead of just pulling up on the picks, use the strength in your legs to push yourself up. Tap on the ice with the front spikes of your crampons a few times to form a small ledge for your foot to rest on.

Brain Power: Much of ice climbing is about being patient and picking the best place to put your pick and crampons. Take your time. Get into the habit of turning your head when you swing the pick into the ice to protect your face from falling ice chunks. Yell to your climbing partner if you see ice falling.

Source: Dale Remsberg of Boulder, Colo., a professional ice and rock climbing guide for Colorado Mountain School.