Bonkers Ice Climbing Pics From The Pros

You may be turning your thoughts to summer and greenery and warm sun-baked rock, but in Pontresina, Switzerland, last weekend, the winter season was going out with a bang.

The occasion was the town's first ice climbing festival, staged on the 120m high northeast wall of the Corn da Diavolezza - not a bad spot really. Snowdonia itself could barely do better at the end of March:-)

The ultimate challenge was a two-pitch speed climbing competition where twelve teams from two countries fought for the title of the fastest ice climber - or should that be the least well-clad climber on the mountain?

Not many women in the final round of bare-topped antics, as you can see ...

The fastest team clocked in after 19 minutes and 24 seconds, which sounds rather speedy to us, although we don't think we'll be trying the feat to see how long it takes us.

It wasn't all about the macho stuff though. There were introductory courses, tips from the experts, demo gear, and plenty of pasta and beer too. And if you feel like you missed out, and you just happen to be in Pontresina at the right moment in 2009, there'll be a similar event next year. We think we prefer a more secluded style of mountaineering but if you like to combine climbing with a big bash, it sounds like Pontresina's where it's happening.

For more information - and another set of bonkers pics - take a peep at www.Ready2climb.com.