ice-axe

Alpinist's hooked implement

An ice-axe is a mountaineering tool with a pointed metal head and a spike at the bottom of the shaft, used for climbing on ice and snow.

The head typically combines a pick for gripping ice and an adze for cutting steps.

Climbers also use it for self-arrest—stopping an uncontrolled slide down a slope: She plunged the ice-axe into the snow to halt her fall.

Also spelled ice axe.

climbing

pick

Pointed breaking tool

  • adzeTransverse-bladed hewing implement
  • shaftNarrow vertical passage
  • spikeSharp rise or point

self-arrest · anchor · belay · crampon · rope · harness · carabiner · piton · ascent · descent

safety

self-arrest

Stopping one's own fall

harness · rope · crampons · avalanche · fall · protection · stability · survival · emergency · risk

glacier

crevasse

Deep glacial fissure

  • seracGlacial ice pinnacle
  • moraineGlacier-deposited debris pile
  • firnYear-old compacting snow

icefall · icefield · moulin · tarn · terminus · ablation · accumulation · snowfield · cornice · couloir

grip

handle

Part for gripping

rubberized · textured · non-slip · palm · grasp · hold · secure · control · leverage · steady

Opposites
terrain/surface type

ice-axerock hammer

Tool for breaking stone

walking stick · trekking pole · hiking pole

technical sophistication

ice-axewalking stick

Handheld support for ambulation

hiking pole · trekking pole · cane · staff · walking cane

climbing tool function

ice-axepitons

Hammered rock anchors

chalk bag · quickdraws

Family

ice, axe, icicle, axes, axeman

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G