A few climbing terms might help…
Going up! (Photo by Johnny Hunter)
So I was talking with someone about the trip report I posted yesterday, and it occurred to me there’s some terminology in there that might need some explaining. So here goes:
POSTHOLING: When you’re walking/climbing through snow and your foot punches through deep into the snow, much like a fence post would do in a posthole. Tiring, not fun.
GLISSADE: To sit down on a snow slope and slide down the slope (hopefully in a controlled manner). People do this because 1. it can be fun and 2. it’s a much faster way to descend than hiking or downclimbing.
CRAMPONS: Metal spikes attached to your boots to assist in getting traction on snow and ice.
ICE AXE: Tool used to help ascend/descend on snow and ice and to self-belay in case of a fall (like using a brake). Which leads to…
BELAY: A safety measure to prevent a fall. Ice tools, ropes and rock climbing hardware are often used to belay climbers.
Man, this list could go on forever. So I’m going to stop and give you this link, if you want to know more about climbing terms:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_climbing_terms
Bob Doucette
Thank you for joining our conversation on Out There. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.
Way too serious check these terms out which are in general use:
Exum Direct. Classic route on Wyoming’s Grand Teton.
ExLax Direct. Beeline made for the woods after eating what you thought was your partner’s chocolate bar
Take a look some are funny as hell http://peakclimbing.org/articles/bote_lexicon.asp
All the best
Russco Owner of the http://www.sporttek.co.uk empire, be sure you drop by some time