Climbing Ice [Paperback]

Yvon Chouinard (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Yvon Chouinard's Climbing Ice is not only the last word on the subject, but the first words from all American press on modern ice techniques. Climbing Ice is no beginner's manual, but rather a compendium on the sport. The book explores the history of snow and ice climbing, details techniques from the graceful and delicate French method of moving on ice to cutting steps and front-pointing on crampons. It also includes useful chapters on equipment, the formation and structure of snow and ice and avalanches.

"... Yvon Chouinard, a modern Eckenstein and the godfather of ice climbing in this country, has written the rulebook of this old yet new climbing game."

-- Outside Magazine Peter Boardman -- Review

From the Back Cover

"Yvon Chouinard's Climbing Ice is not only the last word on the subject, but the first words from all American press on modern ice techniques. Climbing Ice is no beginner's manual, but rather a compendium on the sport. The book explores the history of snow and ice climbing, details techniques from the graceful and delicate French method of moving on ice to cutting steps and front-pointing on crampons. It also includes useful chapters on equipment, the formation and structure of snow and ice and avalanches.

"... Yvon Chouinard, a modern Eckenstein and the godfather of ice climbing in this country, has written the rulebook of this old yet new climbing game."

-- Outside Magazine Peter Boardman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sierra Club Books (May 1, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871562081
• ISBN-13: 978-0871562081
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #921,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Winter Sports > Ice Skating & Figure Skating

More About the Author

Yvon Chouinard has been climbing since he was sixteen years old in 1954, and has done "extreme mountain climbing" including notable first ascents in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and as far south as Patagonia. He has made fifteen climbing trips to Britain and the Continent; he's climbed in New Zealand, Kenya, and in the Himalaya. Apart from this extraordinary record, he is also regarded as a virtuoso in the design of equipment; along with his former partner in the company he founded and now runs, The Great Pacific Iron Works, he has systematically redesigned almost every piece of equipment used in climbing. He lives with his wife and son in Ventura, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE classic book on ice climbing, January 13, 1998

By 

"anitarodriguez" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Climbing Ice (Paperback)

Chounard's book on ice climbing is an old classic. It retains its charm inspite of its age and much subsequent development in ice climbing tools and techniques. This is so because it is more than a technical manual. Chouinard was a pioneer in the development of ice axes and tools, and presents the unique perspective of an expert climber and master craftsman. Chouinard pays attention to the history and evolution of ice climbing, but also dwells in detail on all the basic technical requirements of ice climbing. He liberally sprinkles anecdotes and stories from his vast mountain experience. This gives his book a sense of first person immediacy that cannot usually be conveyed vicariously by a book. One of the things that makes this book really special is its wonderful layout and beautiful black and white photographs. In every respect, this book is a great work of art - it will remain sacred to climbers for many generations.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply beautiful book, September 8, 2011

By 

Jake - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Climbing Ice (Hardcover)

This book is really nice. The pictures are really well done and the size is very nice (big). I will say that the book is a little dated, but the information on non vertical ice is really good. It seems these days every one can climb vertical ice, but being able to negotiate awkward terrain wearing crampons just isn't practiced. I got this book because quite a few of the new books recommend it, WELL WORTH IT. I think that if you are an ice climber or a mountaineer you need to have this on the shelf.

2 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wealth of knowledge, December 31, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Climbing Ice (Paperback)

exellent book for beginners to expert. although it does not go into great detail and by no means is meant to be an instructional guide. Yvonne Chouinard is probable the most knowledgable author on the subject. i'd rate it a 10++++ Yvonne is also my cousin.