crampon

Glacier boot attachment

A crampon is a metal frame with spikes that attaches to a boot for traction on ice or hard snow.

Mountaineers and ice climbers strap crampons to their footwear to grip frozen surfaces that would otherwise be impassable: We strapped on crampons before crossing the glacier.

The word also refers to a grappling hook or similar climbing device.

climbing

ascend

Move upward

summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
alpinistHigh-peak climber
expeditionOrganized exploratory journey

belay · pitch · rope · anchor · harness · lead · bivouac · crevasse · altitude · pinnacle

gear

carabiner

Spring-gated metal link

harnessStraps controlling an animal
pitonDriven climbing anchor
gaitersAnkle-to-calf protective wear

ice-axe · ascender · descender · helmet · headlamp · quickdraw · rope · bindings · leash · strap

ice

glacier

Slow-moving ice mass

crevasseDeep glacial fissure
seracGlacial ice pinnacle
icefallSteep, crevassed glacier section

frozen · verglas

traction

spikes

Sharp metal protrusions

pointsUnits of tally
gripSecure manual hold
frictionResistance between touching surfaces

adherence · stability · purchase · secure · foothold · bite · teeth · penetration · edging · flat-footing

terrain

mountain

Tall natural landmass

slopeAngled terrain or steepness
steepRising at sharp angle
mixedBlended from varied elements

rock · snow · gully · chimney · arete · buttress · headwall · traverse · approach · descent

crampon

ascend

carabiner

glacier

spikes

mountain

crampon

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family