South Korea's Hee Yong Park will start as one of the favourites in the men's lead competition ©UIAA

International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) President Frits Vrijlandt has claimed that Champagny-en-Vanoise is a fitting venue for the conclusion of the ice climbing season before the World Championships get underway.

Competition is scheduled to begin tomorrow in France, with lead and speed world titles set to be won over the weekend at the biennial event.

"The 2017 UIAA Ice Climbing season has been the biggest yet," said Vrijlandt.

"Viewing figures for the UIAA Ice Climbing events are on the rise and more and more countries are committing athletes to the events and expressing a strong interest in the sport.

"The season has also highlighted the competitive nature of ice climbing with almost all competitions decided by the finest of margins.

"It is fitting that we close the main season with the pinnacle event, the World Championships, hosted in one of the most iconic ice climbing venues on the planet."

Lead semi-finals will get proceedings underway tomorrow, with newly crowned World Cup winners Hee Yong Park and Song Han Na Rai of South Korea among the favourites.

All finals are scheduled to take place on Sunday (February 5) ©UIAA
All finals are scheduled to take place on Sunday (February 5) ©UIAA

The finals of both lead and speed events will take place on Sunday (February 5).

The reigning world champions are Russia’s Maxim Tomilov and Shin Woonseon of South Korea in lead events.

Russia’s Alexey Vagin and Ekaterina Koshcheeva will attempt to defend their lead titles at the French venue.

A total of 125 climbers from 25 countries are expected to compete at the Championships.