Self Arrest Ice Axe

But it has to be wrapped around the head of the ice axe so it s really short.

Self arrest ice axe. Subscribe to our channel for the latest training videos climbing tutorials and more. I don t see any good reason for not using a leash. The ice axe for many is a mountaineering symbol that evokes images of rugged glaciated peaks and above the cloud summits it s an essential safety tool for mountaineering adventures whether you use it to maintain balance or to self arrest and stop yourself from a fall. Use of an ice axe greatly increases the probability of.

Self arrest can be performed by using ice axe and a combination of a climber s boots hands feet knees and elbows. In soft snow the adze. Ice axe self arrest starting in a seated position. A classic hiking ice axe approx.

A short ice axe can also be used well for self arrest which actually holds better and can be better handled when braking a fall. The self arrest involves planting your axe into the snow to stop a fall if you slip on a steep snow covered slope. Learning how to properly self arrest is a life saving skill that will take lots of practice to master but learning the basics is easy. It holds the ice axe tightly in my hand.

Self arrest with ice axe. In slovenia we always teach self arrest with wrist leash. But we always wrap wrist leash around the head of the ice axe. In firn snow the head of the ice axe should be used for self arrest.

To be able to self arrest effectively it s important to practise. Personaly i wouldn t feel well without the leash. Ice axe self arrest from walking. Self arrest is a technique employed in mountaineering in which a climber who has fallen and is sliding down a snow or ice covered slope arrests the slide by themselves without recourse to a rope or other belay system.

In this video we review the self arrest technique a way of stopping a. 70 cm long with a head and adze is sufficient for self arrest. An ice axe has many uses but it is primarily a safety tool for helping you stop an unexpected fall down a slope which is called making a self arrest. Even with good skills there is always a possibility of taking a slip or a trip and if you do then having the appropriate techniques to self arrest is paramount.

Watch my video demonstration of the self arrest technique and here s a step by.