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Balance. As on rock, the climber's center of gravityshould be over his feet, even when he is holding the ax inthe traverse position described above. The horizontal position of the ax is a great aid in permitting one to touch theslope for better balance without leaning in. Use of crampons.—Crampons should be tied securely and used confidently. On most snow texture they may merely be placed, but on hard ice they must be stamped into position. That position is then held until the foot is moved to the next step, without being slid or twisted. Ankles and knees do all necessary bending; the body must remain vertical. The crampon is not edged into the slope, but placed flat on the surface. To avoid tripping, the foot must be lifted farther than normal off the snow and swung a little wider of the other leg. Running in crampons is possible, but is frowned upon. Easy slopes are ascended directly, moderate slopes are traversed, steep slopes are backed up, and the steeper they are the lower the crouch and the greater the reliance on the ice-ax point. |
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