Ice Axe Uses

An individual with a flair for adventure may at some point need an ice axe. As the name implies, this tool is employed in cold environments where ice must be broken up to make travel safer. There are also sporting and utility applications for an ice axe, and as such, there are several types available.

  1. Carving Steps

    • Ice and snow accumulate to great depths in winter on mountains above 10,000 feet in elevation, and year-round on mountains over 14,000 feet high. An adventurer ascending such a slope will need to use her ice axe to hack out places to walk, especially when scaling a narrow ledge or other treacherous footing covered in ice. The axe can also be used to chop out a quick place to stop and take a breather.

    Arresting and Glissading

    • Knowing how to use an ice axe to break a fall is essential for any mountain climber. The climber uses the axe to arrest, or slow, himself in a fall as opposed to coming to an immediate stop. Glissading is a type of controlled fall or slide an experienced mountain climber may perform for fun. The ice axe is used like a rudder to steer, and like an oar to control speed during the glissade.

    Snow Anchor

    • The axe can be used like a ski pole to provide balance and firmer footing, especially in deeper snow. The axe is held by the head and plunged into the snow, with the shaft pointing uphill.

    Crevasse Detector

    • An ice axe is handy for detecting chasms. This is done by poking the snow with the axe handle up and down through a half-circle in front of you. It has saved many a climber in remote areas from serious accidents.