Ice Axes / Self-Arrest / Glissading

• Overview– Ice axes– Self-belay– Self-arrest– Glissading

Ice Axes

• Length:– Short for technical ice climbing– Long for general mountaineering

• Leash:– Keeps the axe with you on steep slopes– Possibly dangerous during a fall

How to Carry an Ice Axe

How to Grasp an Ice Axe

a. Self-arrest grip– ready for self-arrest

b. Self-belay grip– more comfortable

Self-Belay

• An extra point of contact with the snow

• Used to PREVENT a long slide

Self-Arrest

• Technique to STOP yourself while sliding downhill

• Practice on various steepnesses and snow conditions

• Will NOT stop all falls: use good judgement

Self-Arrest Technique

• Plant pick in snow to provide braking

• Head uphill, face down, legs apart, weight on axe

• Can use knees, feet without crampons, elbows, hands

• Act quickly!!!!

Self-Arrest Technique

Glissading

• A fast, fun way down the mountain

• Be careful!

• Watch out for rocks, trees, ice, drop offs, ...