Ice axes – find manufacturers and suppliers

An ice axe is an indispensable tool for mountain and ice climbing, alpine tours and glacier exploration.

It is used as a support, for belaying, for climbing on steep ice and as an emergency braking aid in the event of a fall.

Below you will find the structure, function and types of ice axes, their uses and important tips on how to use them:

Structure and function of an ice axe:

An ice axe consists of several basic components:

The head of the ice axe is usually made of robust steel and consists of two main parts:
Pick tip (pick) on one side: it is used to hammer into the ice and provides stability and grip.
Shovel or hammer on the other side: The shovel is used to cut steps in snow and ice or to level flatter surfaces. On some ice axes (especially for technical applications), a hammer replaces the shovel to attach belay points.
The shaft is the long handle of the ice axe and is usually made of aluminum or a light metal alloy. Depending on the intended use, the shaft can be straight or curved:
A straight shaft is ideal for general mountaineering and as a walking aid.
A curved shaft offers more grip and control when ice climbing and on steep walls.
At the bottom of the shaft is the tip of the ice axe, which is often sharpened to provide grip in snow or ice when the ice axe is used as a walking stick.
The wrist strap is an adjustable strap that is placed around the wrist so that the ice axe does not get lost in the event of a fall or on steep terrain. The strap is particularly useful on alpine tours to hold the ice axe securely to the body.

Types of ice axe:

There are different types of ice axes, each optimized for different purposes:

• Hiking and touring ice axes: these ice axes usually have a straight shaft and are slightly longer, making them ideal for classic mountaineering and alpine tours.
• Technical ice axes (Ice tools): These have a curved shaft and a special pick for ice climbing. These are shorter and offer improved control for steep and demanding routes.
• Hybrid ice axes: These models combine features of hiking and technical ice axes and are suitable for versatile use, for example on tours that include both steep and flatter terrain.

Using an ice axe:

Ice axes are versatile and offer stability, grip and safety in a variety of situations:

1. Walking aid when mountaineering:
When walking on steep or icy terrain, the ice axe can be used as a support, similar to a walking stick. The shaft is inserted into the snow to maintain balance and provide support.

2. Drive in for support and safety:
When crossing ice fields or steep snowfields, the pick of the ice axe is hammered into the ice to gain additional stability. This is particularly important if the terrain is slippery or there is a risk of losing your footing.

3. Self-arrest and emergency braking:
An ice axe is used as a safety device to slow you down in the event of a slip or fall on steep ice or snow. The self-arrest technique consists of pressing the ice axe firmly into the snow or ice to reduce speed and stop the fall.

4. Ice climbing:
Special ice axes (called ice tools) with a curved shaft and a hammer head are used in ice climbing to pull yourself up and secure yourself on steep ice walls. In combination with crampons, these ice axes provide a secure hold and control on vertical or even overhanging ice.

5. Striking steps and anchor points:
The shovel of the ice axe can be used to make steps in the snow and ice, especially if the terrain is uneven or particularly steep. This improves surefootedness. In emergency situations, the ice axe can also be used as an anchor for a belay.

6. Rescue and belaying:
In glacier and mountain rescue, the ice axe is often used to set temporary anchor points in the ice or for digging when, for example, a crevasse needs to be secured. An ice axe can also be used as an anchor to secure or rescue a person.

Important tips for using an ice axe:

• Choose the ice axe length according to your height and the intended use. An ice axe that is too long or too short is impractical and offers less stability.
• Self-locking with an ice axe needs to be practiced, as it can be life-saving in an emergency. practice the technique in safe terrain before you go into challenging terrain.
• Make sure that the ice axe is stable and made of high-quality materials. The head should be securely attached to the shaft.
• Use a protective cover for the pick and tip of the ice axe during transportation to avoid injury and damage to the equipment.
• Learn different belaying techniques with the ice axe, such as how to beat steps or set anchor points, to better secure yourself and your partners.

An ice axe is a versatile and essential tool used for mountaineering, climbing and alpine tours. It provides stability and safety in challenging terrain and serves as a walking and braking aid, anchor point and climbing aid. Depending on the intended use, the correct length and design should be selected to ensure the best possible benefit and safety.

Here you will find an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when buying an ice axe:

When buying an ice axe, there are several important criteria to consider that affect the range of use, safety and efficiency of the tool.

• For less steep terrain and general alpine tours, a touring or hiking ice axe with a rather straight shaft and a length that can be used as a walking aid is suitable.
• For steep, icy walls or ice climbing, special ice axes (ice tools) with a curved shaft and aggressively shaped pick are ideal, as they offer better grip and precision when cutting into the ice.
• Hybrid ice axes, which combine a stable grip and flexibility, are suitable for tours that include both icy and rocky terrain.
• A touring ice axe for general mountain and alpine tours should reach approximately to the ankle when held on an outstretched arm. Typically, the length is between 50 and 75 cm.
• Technical ice axes (ice tools usually 45-55 cm) are more suitable for steep terrain as they are easier to control and offer more precision.
• Smaller people should choose shorter ice axes, while taller people can use longer models, especially for hiking and alpine tours.
• Straight shafts are ideal for classic mountaineering and as a walking aid on less steep terrain.
• Curved shafts are suitable for steep and technical terrain, as they provide more leverage and control when the ice axe hits the ice.
• Shafts are usually made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum is lighter and therefore well suited for longer tours, but steel offers more stability and durability, making it ideal for technical climbing.
• A sharp, robust steel pick grips the ice better and offers a longer service life. Aggressively shaped picks are particularly suitable for steep terrain and technical climbing.
• A shovel is ideal for general tours, as it helps with cutting steps and clearing snow. For technical climbing, a hammer can be useful for setting belay points instead.
• Some ice axes offer interchangeable heads (shovel or hammer), which can be useful for versatile use.
• For long alpine tours or expeditions, lighter aluminum ice axes are often advantageous as they reduce weight and are therefore less tiring.
• Heavier ice axes are better for technical climbing and difficult terrain, as they develop more force when hitting the ice and are more stable overall.
• There should be a sharpened point at the lower end of the shaft so that the ice axe can be used as a walking stick. The tip should be robust and sharp enough to provide grip in snow and ice.
• Rubber caps for the tip and pick can be useful for safe carrying and protection during transportation.
• Hand loops prevent the ice axe from being lost in the event of a fall and give you more control. They are particularly useful for alpine tours.
• Removable or adjustable loops are often used on technical ice axes so that you have more freedom of movement if necessary. Some ice axes also offer hand loops that can be quickly detached.
• Some ice axes have non-slip materials on the shaft, which is particularly useful in cold or wet weather.
• Ice axes should have CE and UIAA certification, which means that they meet the safety standards of the European Union and the International Mountaineering Association.
• A well-made ice axe with high-quality materials and a solid head-shaft transition increases safety and durability.
• Prices can vary greatly depending on the intended use and materials. A cheaper model is sufficient for simple alpine tours, while technical climbing often requires more expensive ice axes with special features.

The right ice axe depends heavily on the intended use. Mountaineers on alpine tours benefit from a light, longer model with a straight shaft and shovel. For demanding climbing and steep ice passages, shorter, curved ice axes with an aggressive head and hammer are more suitable. Important factors such as shaft shape, pick, material and length should always be tailored to personal requirements to ensure maximum safety and functionality.

Ice axes can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Ice axes from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.