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Will Gadd Gets Real About Ice Climbing Accidents

Will Gadd has established some of the world’s most difficult single-pitch mixed routes and is arguably one of Canada’s most well-known outdoor personalities. And over the past few months, he has seen a rise in ice climbing accidents.

Despite some social media rants by top climbers about being more careful in the hills, most climbing industry related online sources have stayed away from the touchy subject of telling climbers to be more careful.

A photo posted by Will Gadd (@realwillgadd) on

Gadd is known for cutting through the small talk and getting right to the point. He recently posted a blog titled “Note to self: How not to fall ice climbing” that outlines 11 points all ice climbers should keep in mind. Rule one starts with, “Realize that falling off while leading an ice climb will likely result in a minimum of badly broken leg, ankle, head, pelvis neck, back or all of this list, and set your mental dial and approach to the day appropriately.

“It’s not rock climbing or drytooling or prancing around on easy snow in knickers.” You can never be too safe in the mountains and refreshing your skills is important. Have a read through Gadd’s list here and play safe for the remainder of the winter.

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