By Holly Peterson
While skiers believe Utah has the greatest snow on earth, climbers might say Utah has the greatest ice on earth.
Ice climbing is quickly becoming a popular sport, said Dallen Ward, an ice climbing instructor at UVSC.
While more people rock climb, ice climbing is a great winter alternative, he said, especially with some of the greatest places to climb so nearby.
Utah and Colorado probably have the best ice in the continental U.S., but because Utah''s ice is concentrated in a closer area, it''s possibly the best, Ward said.
'Utah has some of the greatest ice, and Provo is smack dab in the middle of it. Within 15 minutes I can not only be up the canyon but climbing,' he said.
The 'Stairway to Heaven' route near Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon is considered to be the longest vertical ice climb in the lower 48 states, with 800 feet of ice, Ward said.
Why climb on ice?
'Why not - it''s there. It''s crazy not to,' he said.
'I love to climb because it''s so beautiful, and it''s a good chance to be with friends,' said John Bankhead, 24, a senior from Provo, majoring in mathematics.
'Climbing is great because it''s challenging. It''s the same kind of high as a runners high - only better,' he said.
Bankhead, who also enjoys rock climbing, pointed out balance and footwork concepts may be the same, but the sports are quite different.
'Rock climbing uses your forearms because you''re holding on with your hands, whereas ice climbing you''re holding on with your tools and ropes,' he said.
Ice climbing requires more time and effort because you have to place the equipment and put the screws in by hand, Bankhead said.
'Ice climbing is inherently much more dangerous because you''re dealing with ice and sharp tools,' he said.
Having the proper tools and protection is very important because ice falls all the time, Bankhead said.
Peter Oh, 24, a junior from Calif., majoring in industrial design, said the biggest reason more people don''t ice climb is because the equipment is so expensive.
Beginning to ice climb can cost several thousands of dollars for the equipment, Oh said. However, once you have the equipment and tools they last, he said.
Learning to ice climb really isn''t that hard, Oh said. The best thing to do when learning to ice climb is to go with someone who knows how.
Utah''s first ever Ice Climbing Festival will be held at Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon on Saturday. The free event will give information about safety and ice climbing equipment to the public. Climbers will be able to try ice climbing gear from various manufactures and distributors. For more information call Hansen High Adventure Specialties at 226-7498.