Uses of Ice Axes
Climbers use ice axes to aid climbing and descending mountains in icy, snowy conditions. Using an ice axe properly saves lives the axe serves a climber in many different ways, including use as a walking stick, use as a digging tool, use as an anchor for climbing and use as a fall arrester.
The most basic function of an ice axe involves use as a walking stick. Most climbing axes have a shaft with a pointed end, making it easy to dig into snow and ice, which assists in scaling small grade climbing areas.
When scaling sheer walls made of ice and snow, the axe serves as a hand and foothold digger. The climber uses the tool to chip away ice and snow, creating places to grab or step. Climbers also use their axe to create anchors for assisting others in climbing mountains. The first climber buries the axe in the wall of an ice cliff, anchoring it, then ties a rope around the shaft. Other climbers, following the first climber, then use this to assist their ascent.
The most important funtion of the ice axe involves using the axe to stop climbers from falling. Climbers who climb in icy, snowy conditions often slip and fall, often from extreme heights. When falling, a climber should forcefully insert the pick portion of their ice axe into the ice, then hang on for dear life. Straps attached to the axe help in hanging on to the axe in times of emergency.
Mountaineering ice axes provide several essential uses for climbers and when used properly they save lives. They come in many different shapes and sizes, depending upon specific climbing conditions. They can be found at sporting goods stores and on many different internet retail sites, typically ranging in price from 75 to over 300.
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