Mountaineering ice axes

Mountaineering ice axe: a must for your activity

On a glacier, or when ascending a steep, snow-covered slope, using an ice axe means you're sure of your footing with reliable equipment.

In fact, the handle has a spike or point at the end, giving you a stable grip to advance serenely on the steepest sections of your course.

As for the head of your mountaineering ice axe, it provides you with an indispensable anchoring point when crossing snow bridges or crevasses.

In the event of a fall, the blade of your equipment will at last enable you to effectively stop your slide.

Understanding the specific features of each ice axe

Depending on their shape, length and the materials used in their design, there is a wide variety of mountaineering ice axes available today.

To ensure you have the best possible mountaineering experience, it's important to understand the specifics of these different models when choosing your ice axe.

Depending on your activity, we can recommend the following:

• - a straight handle for glacier hiking or skiing
• - a slightly curved handle for classic mountaineering,
• - and a curved handle for ice climbing, dry tooling or technical mountaineering.

The type of teeth on the blade and the choice of a bit or a hammer for the back of the head of your ice axe will also have an impact on how you feel.

Maintain your ice axe for reliable equipment

Over the course of your mountaineering career, your ice axe may show signs of wear and tear, depriving you of a safe and reliable piece of equipment for your sporting activity.

With regular maintenance, however, you can easily extend the life of your equipment.

The blade of your ice axe in particular needs to be sharpened to ensure that your grip remains as effective as ever.

We also recommend that you apply anti-corrosion oil after each sharpening session to preserve it.

When the head of your mountaineering axe is too badly damaged, Decathlon can help you give it a second life without having to replace the other parts of your equipment. Blade, bit or hammer, ice pin, blade guard, crampons, etc. You'll find references for all our models in our catalog, as well as complementary accessories to help you live your passion to the full.