A guide for both beginners and experts. Luebben, contributing editor to Climbing magazine, starts with basics such as equipment, safety, and water ice technique, then moves on to cover mixed climbing, alpine climbing, leading, and descending. Includes sidebars and additional material by other experts, plus an overview of popular North American climbing areas, hair-raising b&w photos, and a glossary. No index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.