Enjoy safe walking through snow, own ice axes

While mountaineering or even while simply walking through snow, one is sure to feel the need of ice axes to cross patches of snow. The foremost purpose of an ice axe is to enable its user to stop in the instances of falling or slipping over the snow. This makes it an essential tool for safety. This skill is called self-arresting and can be gained through practice enables one to dig in the snow with the pick of the axe and gradually slow down the speed of the descent in the instance of slipping down or falling. This tool is also used to cut steps through the steep snow.

Different types of ice axes
Ice axes come in three broad categories
Walking axes Equipped with a long shaft, this is good for walking over hills, glacier crossing etc.
Alpine axes Slightly different from walking axes, these have a slightly curved shaft and an aggressive pick on the head making them desirable for activities which require more skill and expertise.
There is another tool of this kind which can be used only for more technical climbing. Exclusively made for technical usage, this tool can not be used for ordinary tasks like simply walking through snow etc. While planning to shop for ice axes, determine which task you want to perform. If a general purpose ice axe is the requirement, one can always opt for Grivel Air Tech which is available in four models especially ideal for those who live in Britain since it has a shorter bottom which is especially designed to work in patchy snow cover.

Points to keep in mind while selecting ice axes
Even though ice axes are available according to the task one wishes to perform, chances are that one might prefer a mixture of activities. It is advised to keep the following things in mind while making a decision.
Length Axes have become much shorter than what they used to be. However, make sure that the axes length is a minimum of 50 to 55 Centimeter. Nowadays, what matters is not the length, but the shape of axes heads.
Loops and leashes Always opt for an axe with a Leash. This helps its user to easily retrieve the axe if it falls in the snow. This also reduces the weight of the axe off ones hand.
Feel of the axe Just check how an axe feels in the hand. Axes with the Adze facing forwards and the Pick pointing backwards are ideal options to consider.

Axes are also available in different rates from which one can choose according to the requirements. One can always go online to gather information on different ice axes. Consult any friend or relative who uses an ice axe. Friends will be able to offer valuable opinions on the basis of their experiences.