Best ice axe length for ski touring. What used to be common advice is now outdated.

Best ice axe length for ski touring. For walking and a first ice axe, probably a straight one like petzl glacier, general sizing other people have mentioned the hand to ankle distance while standing. Jul 11, 2025 · Before testing this ice axe, I never realized how much a sturdy grip and precise pick matter when ice climbing or ski mountaineering. What used to be common advice is now outdated. As with most gear, it's important to consider the weight of your ice axe and its size and shape. Dec 25, 2024 · The ice axe is an essential tool in the winter mountains, and this guide will help you with choosing between the many different types. The ice axe typically features a curved blade for anchoring and a shaft for support. That’s why Glisshop offers this buying guide to help you find the model best suited to your activity. Mountaineering and ski touring ice axes: discover our selection of lightweight and functional ice axes designed for high-altitude ski touring and ski mountaineering. Choosing the right type of ice axe for your needs is crucial to ensure your safety. Feb 12, 2024 · Finding the best ice axe can be tricky. For some reason they still teach people that ice axes should go to your ankle when you hold the head down at arms length. The CAMP Corsa Alpine Ice Axe – 65 cm stood out instantly. The DMM Spire is a lightweight ice axe that is well suited for winter walking and ski touring, with potential to branch into more demanding winter mountaineering days. Most people usually go to about midway between ankle and knee now. Our team of ski and splitboard experts includes ski guides, ski patrollers, and seasoned backcountry thrill-seekers. Taking this into account, along with the weight, length, and materials, will help you easily select the gear that offers the best balance between performance and safety. It is an essential tool in the mountains. The very best ski poles for touring that we've found are listed below. I used a 45 for ski touring for a while but found it to be too short for many more technical Jul 11, 2025 · A ski mountaineering ice axe is a specialized tool used in ski mountaineering for climbing, descending, and self-arresting on snow and ice surfaces. I am 6' and find a 55 to be perfect. 80cm still seems way too long for your height, even with that advice. We reviewed backcountry touring poles designed for skiers and splitboarders, and some that work for both. A good backcountry pole is light, comfortable, and can typically be adjusted to fit any terrain. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider. The choice of ice axe for ski touring should be suited to your activity. Its tapered pick improves penetration on firm snow and ice, making tricky sections feel less stressful. The spike should fall somewhere between the bottom half of The Petzl Ride ice axe is a lightweight and compact tool, perfect for ski touring and freeriding. Learning how to size an ice axe is crucial to technical mountaineering. com Aug 19, 2020 · Roundup of light minimal to burly multipurpose ski mountaineering ice axes including Blue Ice, Black Diamond, Grivel and Petzl and how to choose. Feb 23, 2025 · After researching 56 of the best backcountry ski poles on the market today, we bought 17 models to test and compare. Plus, the lightweight steel head keeps it manageable during long ascents, without sacrificing The ice axe is a key element of your mountaineering equipment. Oct 21, 2024 · The best ice axe for winter hiking and backpacking 2025 including Lightweight Hiking Ice Axe from Petzl, Black Diamond, Grivel, and more. Not looking to do anything technical, just occasional steep snow or crevasse travel. It is measured from the tip of the axe to the top of the head. To find the right length ice axe based on your size, hold it while standing upright and relaxed with your arms by your sides. Feb 18, 2023 · That's why we combed the market for the best backcountry ski poles available. Choosing the right size ice axe can be a critical part of having a successful ski touring or mountaineering experience. The most important factor of an ice axe is its length. From glacier hiking to technical mountaineering on steep terrain, as well as ski mountaineering races Looking at buying a ski mountaineering oriented ice axe after lugging my 60cm straight shaft ice axe around. The average ice axe will be between 50cm and 75cm. Its 45cm length makes it easy to carry, and its design prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing safety. . Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Feb 2, 2021 · In the market for a new ice axe, or pair of technical tools? Will Harris chooses size models for six different mountain activities – here are his picks… For ski touring… PETZL RIDE £80 The joy of ski touring is in efficiently travelling through the winter environment, reaching a summit or col to then enjoy the descent that follows. shghvo ngyei iqna qipi agjll wonih apxec dqiwzz kgn qqawx