A cool way to conquer fear

In China, ice climbing is growing in popularity, especially among the young

Armed with ice axes and crampons, climbers scale a 25-meter-high frozen waterfall. Their bodies are supported only by their equipment. Below them lies a frozen lake stretching across the base of a mountain.

You may think that this is a scene from an adventure movie like Touching the Void or Meru, but this is what a group of thrill-seekers experienced at an ice climbing competition on the outskirts of Yunmengxia Valley, Miyun county, Beijing, over Feb 11-12.

Speaking about the event, Yu Kaihao, the organizer, says, "We want to offer a platform to amateurs to learn from elite climbers. You never know how good you are until you meet the best."

In China, ice climbing is growing in popularity, especially among the young.

The number has grown from a few hundred to around 6,000 in recent years.

From Jan 7 to 9, Beijing hosted its first UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup, co-sponsored by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation.

Unlike rock climbing, which does not require much gear, ice climbers need axes and crampons.

Canadian rock-climbing enthusiast Gavin Boyle was one of the foreign participants at the Yunmengxia Valley competition.

He says he had thought ice climbing was easy before he tried it.

"When you see ice climbers in a film, the crampons and axes go effortlessly into the ice," says Boyle, who has been into rock climbing for two and a half years.

"The ice seems as smooth as butter."

But Boyle says that ice climbing is a sport that is both physically and mentally demanding.

"I was completely exhausted," Boyle said after his climb. "Your body and mind play tricks on you."

But, challenging as it sounds, women do not seem to be put off.

Bu Jieru, 30, is an avid mountaineer who has conquered both Mount Haba in Yunnan province and Yuzhu Mountain in Qinghai province.

For Bu, ice climbing not only means hard physical training but also helps her stay focused.

"I enjoy spending a month doing nothing but concentrating on honing my skills so that I can keep both myself and my teammates safe," says Bu, who brought her dog to the competition.

"Even if I make only a little progress, I still feel delighted."

For Beijing-based venture capitalist Hao Shuaifei, the sport has changed his mindset.

In the past, Hao, 27, spent a huge amount of time pondering the risk of each investment, but ice climbing has made him more decisive.

"Now I know how to take things lightly," says Hao. "As long as I am interested, I will take the risk."

Hao adds that every time he reaches the top during a climb, he feels proud.

As the temperature dictates the type and quality of the ice, the unpredictable conditions challenge the climbers.

Chen Liji encountered two sudden blowouts, caused by fragile ice in Sichuan's Shuangqiaogou Trench. There was one time when he fell off a cliff and landed on a snow slope. Luckily, he did not injure himself.

But the dangers are part of the appeal when it comes to ice climbing.

"I feel a sense of achievement after overcoming unexpected obstacles," says Chen, the champion of a national ice climbing tournament held in Beijing last month.

"It is like going deep into the mountains knowing well that there are tigers there."

He also says that regular practice and planning can help reduce risks significantly.

"It is important to understand the ice," Chen says. "Before you climb, it is also important to do a risk evaluation."

In China, the ice climbing season is short.

The low temperatures and lack of sunshine that keep waterfalls frozen usually last only two to three months.

But this is what makes the sport truly special.

"Seasonality is probably the most alluring part of ice climbing," says Chen.

"When the season is over, a long wait lies ahead. It's already February, and this year's climbing season is almost over. But I am already waiting for the next season."

zhangzefeng@chinadaily.com.cn

Adventures on ice

Ice climbing is a dynamic winter sport that combines excitement, technique and determination.

Back in 2014, the sport was presented to the public during the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in Russia. The next goal for ice climbing is showcasing the sport at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games before it's included in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

If you are already hooked on this sport, here are some of the world's best places with epic ice formations that you shouldn't miss.

Ouray, Colorado, US

Known as the "Switzerland of the US", Ouray offers climbers easy access to more than 200 named climbs, with free entrance to the park. The ice park also offers guides and instructional services for beginners. Ouray is known for hosting the biggest ice festival in North America every January.

Shuangqiaogou, Sichuan, China

China has a lot of ice walls, which are located in different mountains in the northern and western parts of the country. Among them, Sichuan province's Shuangqiaogou, or Twinbridge Trench on Mount Siguniang has some of the finest such spots.

The ice season in the area usually starts mid-December and runs through late February. Climbers can enjoy various ice formations along with a clean, quiet environment.

Valdez, Alaska, US

Alaska's breathtaking Valdez region has been attracting world-class climbers to the region for decades.

Each year, thrill-seekers flock there to follow classic routes such as Sheep Creek and Solomon Gulch, while others explore the area by themselves, hoping to find the next classic site on their own adventures. Other winter sports activities such as glacier hiking and snowcat skiing, skiing and sled trips can also be found there.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 03/03/2017 page20)