Spring is in the air, and so, too, a rope might be in your future.
On the news alert this morning, an article piqued my interest: “Special Report: Sharp edges and rope cuts.” Every day is safety day, so why not check out an article that provides insight?
Although somewhat brief, the UIAA report is a fine summary of situations and case studies to make us more aware of the potential for rope cutting. According to the report, between 1969 and 2018 there were 128 “rope breaks.” Considering the use of ropes in high-friction situations and how often we use ropes for protection/safety on lead and rappelling, incidents of rope cuts are very low.
We’ll link the report here for those interested in learning more. In brief, ski mountaineers should keep an eye on rappels where the rope runs over a sharp-edged rock and instances where the rope runs through a worn carabiner. And, as we enter the freeze-thaw season, rockfall is a concern, too. (We are known to use skinny ropes; see the linked articles below.)
Reading the linked UIAA report is another opportunity to read up and become more aware as spring hits full steam.
Data/chart screenshot from UIAA-Norges klatreforbund (NKF)/Norwegian Climbing Federation (NCF)
As this is our second season of coverage, we are amassing some excellent resources for our readers. Specifically, we have some solid how-tos relating to rope use and ski mountaineering. We’ll list the resources out below. Also, behind the scenes, Gavin is experimenting, in a safe way back at the Wilson, WY HQ, with ropes marketed to cavers and canyoneers that may serve our community well during high-angle ski/ride descents. We’ll have more on that soon.
Rappelling for Ski Mountaineers.
Rappelling on Skinny Ropes: Tethers and Third Hands.
Rappelling on Skinny Ropes: Devices.
Ski Rope Comparison, a Pre-Season Glance.
And for those who are ready to go to 11, there’s this classic deepest of deep dive podcast: The Skinny on Ski Mountaineering Ropes.
