Ice Ax THE MOUNTAINEERS EVERETT BRANCH THE ICE AX

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

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.

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

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

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.