one rope vs. two when ice climbing

why do people sometimes use two ropes instead of just one when ice climbing?

So you can rappel twice as far. That's a big plus when it's cold and anchors need to be constructed.

2. Twin ropes in case one gets cut.

I would give an answer but my money's on the OP is the usual PITA who keeps making up new accounts.

Next questions going to be "why do you need a lighter to smoke crack?"

Because your wife is fat?

Double ropes when applied correctly can have less force on an ice screw or piece than a single rope in a fall. That and rapping a full 60 meters is the biggest advantages. It is also thought that the duality makes a cut rope less likely given the climbing is done with lots of sharp objects and most ice climbing is done in an alpine environment where falling objects also increase the odds of a cut rope.

Michael S. Catlett wrote:Double ropes when applied correctly ......

Mike is correct but the operative phrase is "when applied correctly". Takes practice and paying attention.

I see the longer rappels as the biggest advantage of two ropes (esp. the triple rated ropes) instead of making a macrame project out of it (with exceptions).

For the uninitiated....and even the experienced......managing two ropes at rappels stations can be a drag.