Best ice axe for mountaineering for beginners The lengths of ice axes vary from 40 cm to 90 cm (16 in to 35 in). The Best Ice Axe for Winter Hiking 2025 is: Best Overall: Petzl Glacier; Best Budget Ice Axe: Black Diamond Raven; Best Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe: Petzl Summit Evo; Best Mountaineering Ice Axe: Black Diamond Venom; Best Thru-Hiking Ice Axe: Camp Corsa; Grivel G1 How To Use Your Ice Axe For Climbing. the pick shape is technical enough for ice, but ok for self arrest, and the shafts are clean with the moveable grip rest pushed up. A generic-simple ice axe can be used to assist you up a steep pass, balance yourself and brake your fall if you slide away. The pick tapers from a thick 5 mm down to a hair-thin 2. we can’t think of a better place. If you plan on climbing really steep stuff a curve can help stop the pick coming out. There are two main types: the all-round axe for beginners and the steep ice axe for experts. Climbing harness: Should be sized to fit over your cold-weather clothing. Alpine navigation. crizcohzrbzqqmhoofgwarrvvaaenmthmnkamafrylryeqqnyjauyjjvtcuurubueashkpqdzwabusc