To make the most of every outing, it's essential to pack the right equipment. The ice axe constitutes an element of the necessary gear for ski touring, allowing safe progress during climbs, as well as on some descents. In this article, we list the different features to consider when choosing the right model for ski touring. But first, let's debunk a common misconception: all ice axes are versatile. At Glisshop, we don’t entirely agree with that. We don’t treat it as a rule, but simply prefer to make a distinction between ice axes. If you’re curious, we invite you to discover how to choose your ice axe based on your activity (mountaineering, ice climbing, glacier hiking, dry-tooling...).
Is an Ice Axe Essential for Ski Touring?
Ski touring is an exciting activity that combines the thrill of skiing with the challenges of mountaineering. To enjoy this discipline safely and make the most of every outing, it’s crucial to carry the right gear. This is why the ice axe is a must-have in ski touring and holds a prominent place in your kit.
The ice axe is a multi-purpose tool when it comes to ski touring. It consists of a head with a pick and an adze, and a spike at the end of the shaft. It can be used both as support and as an anchoring tool. It helps you to pull yourself up or carve steps. It’s also useful when crossing a snow ridge and for maintaining balance in challenging terrain. On steep slopes, it provides security for both climbs and descents. Finally, in the event of a fall, it allows you to control your slide and slow down until you come to a stop.
For ski touring, an ice axe should be lightweight and durable, able to withstand the sometimes extreme conditions encountered at high-altitude.
Which Ice Axe to Choose for Ski Touring?
The choice of ice axe for ski touring should be suited to your activity. Taking this into account, along with the weight, length, and materials, will help you easily select the gear that offers the best balance between performance and safety. Keep in mind that while it is an essential safety tool in the mountains, knowing how to use it is just as important as choosing the right one.
The Discipline
As you probably already know, ski touring encompasses three main disciplines:
- Light touring: focused on speed during climbs, requiring ultra-light gear.
- All-round touring: a balance between uphill performance and downhill fun.
- Freetouring: a combination of freeride and ski touring, prioritising downhill performance with wider skis.
If you are primarily into light touring, you’ll naturally prioritise weight. If you lean more towards all-round touring or freetouring, we recommend making the same choice. Since the use of an ice axe is occasional in ski touring, we tend to suggest that lightweight is key regardless of your activity. But in the end, does weight really matter?
Weight
Weight is an important factor in ski touring as it can affect both performance and safety. A lightweight ice axe allows for better handling and reduces fatigue during long climbs, which is essential in the mountains where every gram counts. However, durability should not be overlooked. An ice axe that is too light may lack the necessary strength in critical situations, such as when crossing steep, icy sections. Manufacturers therefore strive to find the optimal balance between lightness and strength. They use aluminium and sometimes carbon for the shafts, and steel for the heads, ensuring reliability while maintaining lightness without compromising safety.
Length
In mountaineering, it’s common to hear that to choose the right length of an ice axe, you should hold it by the head with your arm hanging down by your side. If the spike reaches your ankle, it's the right length. This method is more applicable to glacier hiking. For ski touring, we recommend opting for a shorter model (between 50 and 60 cm) for two reasons: manoeuvrability and weight. A longer ice axe could hinder your mobility during technical climbs and protrude too much from your backpack, increasing the risk of snagging.
Materials
The weight and durability of an ice axe largely depend on the materials used. To optimise the balance between lightness and strength, manufacturers use a variety of materials.
Steel
The heads of ice axes are generally made of steel to offer excellent penetration into ice and hard snow. Steel is renowned for its durability and reliability, qualities that are essential for your safety in the mountains.
Aluminium
Aluminium shafts are widely used in ski touring ice axes due to their lightness. This material provides a good balance between weight and strength.
Carbon
Some high-end ice axes feature carbon shafts, a material that is even lighter than aluminium and offers excellent strength. These ice axes are more expensive and are typically favoured by ski mountaineering competitors.
Controlling a Slide in Ski Touring: Ice Axe Arrest
Knowing how to use your ice axe to stop a fall is essential in ski touring. The self-arrest technique involves driving the ice axe pick into the snow or ice to slow down a slide and stop. It is highly recommended to get trained in this technique and practice regularly to master this potentially life-saving move.
The Importance of Training
Using an ice axe is not something to improvise. It requires skill. If you are part of an alpine club, don’t miss the opportunity to take a course to learn the different techniques for using an ice axe. It is just as important as choosing the right equipment.
Maintaining Your Ice Axe
Properly maintaining your equipment ensures optimal performance and extends its lifespan. Here are some tips:
- Cleaning: After each outing, clean your ice axe to remove snow, ice, and possibly dirt.
- Drying: Thoroughly dry your ice axe to prevent the rusting of steel parts.
- Sharpening: Regularly check the condition of the pick and spike. Proper sharpening improves the effectiveness of anchoring.
- Storage: Store your ice axe in a dry place, away from moisture.
Models we Recommend: Petzl Ride, Blue Ice Falk...
Here are some ice axes we recommend for ski touring:
Petzl Ride
The Petzl Ride is an ultra-lightweight and compact ice axe, measuring 45 cm. It’s ideal for ski touring, where weight and footprint are crucial. Its steel head ensures excellent anchoring efficiency, while its aluminium shaft makes it easy to handle.
Blue Ice Falk
The Blue Ice Falk combines lightness and durability. It is available in two lengths: 45 or 50 cm. Its steel head and aluminium shaft offer a good balance between performance and strength.
Other Models
- Grivel Air Tech: A versatile technical ice axe for demanding alpine terrain.
- Black Diamond Raven: A reliable classic ice axe for glacier hiking.
Don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help you make the most informed choices when it comes to your equipment. We emphasise the importance of training, which we believe is a crucial aspect, and we wish you safe and enjoyable outings.