Ice tools for ice climbing are almost always available in only one shaft length; same with most axes intended for hikers and scramblers. The reason is because they’re intended first and foremost for ...

What you need to know: These ice axes are built to easily switch out parts, making them adaptable and suitable for use in a wide range of situations and climbs. What you’ll love: The curved shaft of ...

Long gone are the days of hemp ropes, hobnailed boots, and chopping steps up ice faces. Today's ice climbing gear is highly engineered, refined, and more dialed than ever. Even so, simply surviving ...

If you're thinking about trying ice climbing, it's best to do it with a group of people who have experience. Check out the climbing program at the University of Minnesota Duluth at www.umdrsop.org.

When venturing into the backcountry in winter and even into the shoulder seasons of late fall and early spring, an ice axe is a vital tool for navigating steep snow fields, ice, and scrambles. However ...

What you need to know: These ice axes are built to easily switch out parts, making them adaptable and suitable for use in a wide range of situations and climbs. What you’ll love: The curved shaft of ...

The ice axe you’ll want to use for mountaineering and couloir climbs is different than the type of ice tools you’ll need for pure ice climbing. A ski mountaineer or scrambler will have different needs ...