The Ice Axe is among the most adaptable of all a mountaineer’s tools. A good ice axe can serve many purposes, though it’s most important is widely considered the “self-arrest” used to stop a slide or fall. In this infographic, we demonstrate a few different ways to use an ice axe, though there are of course many more than just these!
If you want to learn more, we recommend the popular book “Freedom of the Hills!”
If you want to get your own ice axe and start practicing, I recommend visiting Saint Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs and Georgetown. It’s a short drive from Denver and has good, snow covered slopes to practice your self arrests on even during the summer months. Safe travels on the trail!
