May be used for aiding placement of protection. Hammer - the hammer is an alternative to the adze.Adze - the flat, wide end of the head used for chopping steps in hard snow and ice.Pick - the toothed pointed end of the head, typically slightly curved (aiding both in ergonomics and self-arrest).A hole in the center is provided for attaching a wrist leash or carabiner. Head – usually made of steel and featuring a pick and adze.Some of these have aluminum alloy heads/picks which are unlikely to be as effective or robust as steel heads/picks.Īn ice axe consists of at least five components: Used in a pair, one is usually equipped with an adze for chipping and clearing snow whilst the other has a hammer to aid gear placement.įor ski mountaineering and racing, where weight is of paramount concern, manufacturers have produced short (~45 cm (18 in)) and light (200–300 g (7–11 oz)) ice axes. Ice tools have shorter and more curved shafts stronger, sharper, and more curved replaceable picks, and often ergonomic grips and finger rests. Specialized scaled-down ice axes used for vertical ice climbing are known as ice tools.Technical ice axes, which may have curved shafts, are strong enough to be used for steep or vertical ice climbing and belaying on such ground. Basic ice axes are designed for use in snow conditions for general mountaineering, and are adequate for basic support and self-arrest.

There are two classifications of ice axe, Basic (B/Type 1) and Technical (T/Type 2).

Most ice axes meet design and manufacturing standards of organizations such as the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA) or European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Not only is an ice axe used as a climbing aid, but also as a means of self-arrest in the event of a slip downhill. The ice axe of today has its roots in the long-handled alpenstock that came before it.

Ice axe adze