1. Ice Ax
THE
MOUNTAINEERS
EVERETT BRANCH
THE ICE AX

2. THE MAIN ROLE OF AN ICE AX
MOUNTAINEERS
EVERETT BRANCH
THE MAIN ROLE OF AN ICE AX
aid in balance
a tool to prevent falls
a tool to stop falls

3. PARTS OF THE ICE AX Ice Ax MOUNTAINEERS
EVERETT BRANCH
PARTS OF THE ICE AX
You will duct tape your ice ax at the pick, adze and spike for the 1st day of instruction.

4. SELECTING AN ICE AX long ax – 70mm for most alpine scramblers
THE
MOUNTAINEERS
EVERETT BRANCH
SELECTING AN ICE AX
long ax – 70mm for most alpine scramblers
at your side, the pick should touch your ankle
do not take “light is right” too far

5. Ice Ax Required equipment Length: Spike at ankle height Head material
Adze
Required equipment
Length: Spike at ankle height
Head material
Steel (req’d for Climbing)
Aluminum
Comfortable
$75-125
Weight
Leash (not req’d)
End protectors (not req’d)
Shaft
Pick
Spike

6. ICE AX LEASH Ice Ax MOUNTAINEERS
THE
MOUNTAINEERS
EVERETT BRANCH
ICE AX LEASH
There are two schools of thought regarding the use of an
ice ax leash.
Most climbers use a leash so the ice ax is secure from loss.
losing an ice ax could leave you without a valuable tool
a run away ice ax could put climbers below at risk.
Some believe that a flailing ice ax, hanging on by a leash from
your wrist after you’ve lost grip on the shaft is a potential danger.
For the purposes of this class you will not need or use a leash. We feel it is safer to learn to hold your ice ax correctly. Although you should never let go, should you lose grip it will not flail on the leash possibly hitting you.