As individuals we are all affected by our current state of mind. If passion is the driving force behind your climbing, you will evolve as a climber. If ambition is driving your training regime, results will follow. Climbing results transpire from doing things for the right reasons. What is right will always be personal. But I am convinced that nothing can be forced in climbing. If we stop for a minute and think about what I just wrote, I think it is clear to all of us that that what I am saying is important to understand if we want to pursue our climbing ambitions.

David Falt standing below the impressive pillar of ice that is Double Scotch WI5+

For me diversity is key to find the energy and motivation I need to reach my climbing goals. With diversity I mean doing different types of climbing. This might be old school and its definitely not going to render you any top results since the training regime is far to general to land you World-class results. But that’s not why I climb; I do it out of love for being in the mountains or on the crag.

[caption id="attachment_1612" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Ice climbing requires nerve and a funny mix of speed and caution[/caption]

Being able to get by in different types of terrain at a good level of speed and with safety its what I really like. Its winter and the ice conditions are world class right now so I have been picking the low hanging fruits and last week I managed to climb about 1000 meters of sustained ice in a great alpine valley in the French national park of Ecrins.

[caption id="attachment_1613" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Fantastic ice climbing conditions in the French Ecrin.[/caption]

As you see it can be fairly run out on ice, not only due to bad ice but to save time and just move on when ever possible. Ice is all about stamina and experience to read the ice and conserve energy. Like in sport climbing we shake out and I missed my MOON chalk bag so I brought it along but as Camera bag and for cake protection...

Have fun out there and be safe and climb lots.

[caption id="attachment_1614" align="aligncenter" width="580"] A new use for your Moon Chalk Bag... Cake protector![/caption]