![]() Unless the snow is soft enough that you’re sinking into it, an ice axe is the only tool you have to stop you from turning a fall into a long slide. Ice axes are also essential whenever you might encounter a moderately steep snowfield. You’ll need it to self-rescue or build a snow anchor if you or your partner falls in a crevasse. ![]() If your route involves any glacier travel, an ice axe is absolutely required. Since ice axes are such versatile tools, they’re good to carry on a wide variety of different climbs. While it’s possible to self-arrest with an ice tool, it’s not designed to make this easy. They have a more sharply curved shaft and pick, and may lack an adze or spike. Ice tools, on the other hand, are built for ice climbing. Ice axes are designed for general-purpose mountaineering. One common question from new mountaineers is whether there’s a difference between ice axes and ice tools. What is the difference between an ice axe and an ice tool? Spike: The spike is the sharp point at the bottom of the shaft, which plunges into snow and offers grip when walking on icy slopes. Shaft: The shaft is the long part of your ice axe, which you’ll hold when climbing steep slopes with your ice axe. Head: The head is the top of the ice axe and it connects the pick, adze, and shaft. This small metal shovel is what you’ll use to cut steps and dig into snow. This is the sharp, toothy blade that you’ll use to self-arrest.Īdze: The adze is on the opposite side of the axe from the pick. Pick: The pick is the business end of your ice axe. There are several key parts to know on an ice axe: The anatomy of an ice axeīefore I dive into how to use your ice axe, we need to cover some basic terminology. So, I’ll explain how to use an ice axe in a variety of different situations you’re likely to encounter while mountaineering. This multipurpose tool is absolutely essential to climbing any snow-covered or glaciated peak.Īn ice axe can only do its job, though, if you know how to properly use it. There are few tools more important to getting around in the mountains than an ice axe.
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