Learning to ice climb — and chill out — in what may be sport's perfect classroom in Canada

BANFF, Alberta - I'm not even halfway up an ephemeral ice wall in Banff National Park before I find myself, quite literally, on a slippery slope.

To my right is a sinewy gorge known as Johnston Canyon and the snow-covered hiking path from which I came. To my left are stunning pillars of frozen river water that blanket a craggy 100-foot cliff. I, of course, am precariously affixed to said cliff, and I'm clinging for dear life.

I've come to this unspoiled spot to take a stab at ice climbing, but I'm beginning to feel like some reject from the Marvel Universe