ice axe
Definition
- Noun:
- A specialized tool for mountaineering: An ice axe is a mountaineering tool designed for traveling on steep, icy terrain. Its primary functions include providing balance, cutting steps, and arresting a climber's slide in the event of a fall.
Usage
- The ice axe is an essential piece of safety equipment for alpine climbing and glacier travel.
- A climber uses the ice axe to create secure handholds and footholds in ice.
- The pick and adze of an ice axe are used for different climbing techniques.
Examples
- Noun:
- Before ascending the glacier, each climber checked their harness and ice axe.
- She plunged the shaft of her ice axe into the deep snow to anchor herself.
- The guide demonstrated how to self-arrest with an ice axe.
Advanced Usage
- "To self-arrest with an ice axe": A critical safety technique where a climber uses their body weight and the pick of the ice axe to stop an uncontrolled slide down a slope.
- Practicing self-arrest with an ice axe is a fundamental skill for any mountaineer.
Variants and Related Words
Ice tool (n): A more modern, often curved, version of an ice axe designed specifically for technical ice climbing.
- For the vertical ice wall, he switched from his traditional ice axe to a pair of technical ice tools.
Crampons (n): Metal spikes attached to boots for traction on ice, typically used in conjunction with an ice axe.
- He secured his crampons before taking his ice axe in hand.
Synonyms
- Climbing axe: A general term for an axe used in mountaineering.
- Piolet: The French term for an ice axe, commonly used in climbing terminology.
Related Phrases
To place an ice axe: To securely embed the ice axe into snow or ice for stability or as an anchor.
- With each step, he carefully placed his ice axe in the firm snow.
Ice axe belay: A method of using a planted ice axe as a belay anchor to secure a climbing partner.
- They used an ice axe belay to protect the climb over the icy ridge.
Noun
-
an ax used by mountain climbers for cutting footholds in ice
