Ice & mixed
Frozen falls and blue ice, graded WI2 to WI6.
The medium
Ice and mixed climbing is the alpine discipline that changes most from day to day — the same fall can be a staircase on Tuesday and a glass wall by Friday.
The grades
WI2 low angle, one tool is plenty WI3 sustained 70°, good screws WI4 near-vertical, committing WI5 vertical and thin, sustained WI6 overhanging or unprotectable
The kit
Two technical tools, 12–16 screws, and a head for the sound ice makes when it settles. Always climb with a partner who has led ice before.