What is an Ice Axe?
An ice axe is a specialized pick axe used in mountain climbing when the conditions are icy or snowy. An ice axe has a strong metal head, with a sharp, angled pick and a shorter adze, which is often flat and squared off. The handle of a modern ice axe is made of light, tough material such as aluminum or Kevlar®, and often includes a wrist strap. The end of the handle comes to a sharp, metal point, which can server a number of purposes. All in all, an ice axe is designed to fit the needs and safety concerns of mountain climbers in high, cold locations.
