01.09.2019 |
Ice crystals as far as the eye could see – the hearts of Alpinists start to pick up the pace when winter turns waterfalls into tremendous towers of ice. Ice climbing is fascinating, and it’s a very own discipline. Everything at the LOWA testing event in Kolm-Saigurn revolved around the fine points of this type of climbing.
The line-up at the meeting was quite impressive: the world-famous Alpinists Ines Papert, Rudi Hauser and Hans Kammerlander from the LOWA PRO team and Tobias Karpinski and Josef Pfnür from the LOWA ACTIVE team; former LOWA PRO team members David Göttler and Robert Jasper; and the LOWA development team. They all came together for the purpose of discussing the new models of the LOWA Performance collection. Everybody was itching to test the new models ALPINE ICE GTX and ICE ROCKET.
“A feeling of dependability on your feet in extreme terrain.”
Ines Papert was the first to take on the ice wall.
Climbers have to rely completely on their boots when they tackle such extreme walls of ice.
The athletes intensively talked about the new models during breaks of the climbing test.
Secure footing is essential at such heights, in which every step could have fatal consequences.
A cool head should be created by the equipment.
The ICE ROCKET is actually the best choice for such walls of ice. But, as you see here, the ALPINE ICE GTX does just fine as well.
Ice climbing heaven
The perfect starting point for the day was the Sonnenblickbasis in Kolm-Saigurn – an ice climbing paradise with artificial training walls and natural waterfalls that have various degrees of difficulty.
Even though the rain was pouring down, the group headed to the training walls, high on the waterfalls or to the mixed terrain. The boots were tested to their very limits – with a particular focus being placed on their waterproof qualities. Tips and tricks were eagerly exchanged, and initial knowledge was gained. In the hut, the group assiduously delved into such features as the lacing system, heel fit, gaiters, crampon positions, lightweight construction and soles. In the process, the professional climbers talked about their experiences with the new boots and provided valuable input to the LOWA Development Department.
