Customer Reviews

Climbing Ice

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
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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.

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.

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.

I remember meeting him as a boy of the age of 6. My grandmother was Thelma Chouinard up here in Maine. If you'd like, please contact me.