Ice climbing

Ice climbing
Joe Rivet

Ever wonder what it’s like to climb up an ice covered cliff with nothing holding you up but a pair of axes and a spike coming out of your toe?
One LSC professor knows exactly what it’s like. John Kascenska has been going ice climbing for 30 years now. “Ice climbing gives me a sense of adventure a sense of accomplishment,” Kascenska said. “I also love the outdoors and I have met many other climbers who turned out to become lifelong friends and good climbing partners.”
Kascenska first got interested in ice climbing when he mastered rock climbing. “After rock climbing, ice climbing seemed like an extension of it that I could try.”
Kascenska is aware of the high risk factor involved in ice climbing, but has never been seriously hurt while he was climbing. “Sure I’ve been whacked on the head a few times by falling ice, and there has even been an occasional small avalanche,” Kascenska said. “But I’m always wearing a helmet and some other protective gear, so I’ve never been hurt.”
Kascenska has many different locations that he finds enjoyable for ice climbing. A few of his favorites are Lake Willoughby, Croford Notch New Hampshire, Smuggler’s notch and Mount Washington. Lake Willoughby is a premier ice climbing location in the country, attracting many ice climbing enthusiasts during the winter.
While ice climbing, a climber has two specially designed axes for both hands. These axes have special curves designed to easily get into the ice and hold the climber up. On their feet the climber has boots with a spike in the front and crampons on the bottom of the boots. By kicking their toes into the ice, they can keep themselves stable.
Kascenska is also a teacher of ice climbing. He has been teaching for 27 years, almost as long as he has been climbing. Every spring semester at LSC, he offers a class to teach anyone about ice climbing. You do not need to have any sort of skill to sign up for this class because there are many different degrees of difficulty in ice climbing. “For anyone who likes the outdoors and enjoys adventure, this is a great activity to take up.” Kascenska said. He encourages outdoor enthusiasts to take his class in the spring semester.
Kascenska doesn’t plan on quitting ice climbing any time soon. “I’m going to stick with this as long as it is fun for me,” He says. “Ice climbing lets me feel like I’m overcoming challenges each time I go.”