Answer

By Anonymous

Practise putting them on while wearing gloves, so you know you can attach them in a blizzard and tap any snow from your boots first so the crampons attach securely. Spiking your own leg and tripping is a serious risk so walk with a wide cowboy gait, and wear close-fitting trousers and gaiters. Put your feet down flat and place all crampon spikes in the snow to stay secure, flexing our ankles and stepping firmly without stamping. Take your time and zig-zag on steep hills, holding your ice-axe in the uphill hand for balance and so it can be quickly moved to the arrest position if you slip. To change direction, put your lower foot forward, and then bring your feet into a V, with the upper foot facing in the new direction. Change your ice-axe to the other hand before moving off. Crampons can choke with snow, turning them to skates so invest in anti-balling plates, or tap your feet against your ice-axe to clear.