Best Ice Axes for Ice Climbing of 2025

Ice climbing is exciting but also dangerous without the right gear. One key tool is the ice axe. It helps you climb frozen waterfalls, steep snow, and icy slopes. The right axe gives better grip and control. It also keeps you safe on technical climbs. With so many types out there, choosing the best one is hard. Some are great for beginners, others for pros. Some work best on vertical ice, others on mixed terrain. In this guide, we list the best ice axes for ice climbing. We compare features, uses, and value. Whether new or experienced, you’ll find the right axe here. Let’s dive into the top picks.

1. PETZL Glacier

• Weight: 350g (60cm)

• Shaft material: Aluminum

• Pick material: Steel

• Certification: CE/UIAA certified

The PETZL Glacier is a lightweight, durable axe that excels in classic alpine mountaineering. It features a high-quality steel pick that offers solid penetration on hard snow and glacier ice, while the anodized aluminum shaft keeps the overall weight impressively low. The slightly curved upper shaft improves clearance during climbs without compromising plunging ability, making it a reliable choice for both ascending and descending icy slopes. The machined handle grip also provides better handling, even with gloves on.

Despite its minimal weight, the Glacier doesn’t feel fragile. The pick bites securely on firm snow and icy patches, and the stainless steel spike at the base of the shaft plunges with ease. This axe is particularly well-suited for glacier travel, ski mountaineering, and non-technical alpine routes. It’s not designed for steep technical climbing, but for classic mountaineering objectives, it balances efficiency, comfort, and performance. The included leash is a thoughtful bonus, though some users may prefer upgrading to a more ergonomic leash for extended climbs.

Pros:

• Lightweight but sturdy

• Excellent pick penetration

• Comfortable grip with machined shaft

• Ideal for general alpine use

Cons:

• Not suitable for steep ice or technical routes

• Basic leash may not suit all users

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2. Grivel GZERO

• Weight: 425g (66cm)

• Shaft material: Aluminium with insulating plastic cover

• Pick material: Carbon steel

• Certification: CE/UIAA certified

The Grivel GZERO is a classic entry-level mountaineering axe designed with simplicity and comfort in mind. It features a traditional straight aluminum shaft with a protective plastic overlay for insulation and a molded head cover that provides a comfortable handhold. The carbon steel pick is well-shaped for self-arrest and cutting steps, while the solid spike at the bottom allows for effective plunging on snowy terrain. It’s a great axe for beginner alpinists and those planning general mountain trekking or glacier travel.

What sets the GZERO apart is its user-friendly design and ruggedness at a low price point. The plastic handrest and head cover make it very comfortable to carry without gloves, and the curved adze is efficient for chopping. While it’s not suited for technical ice or steep terrain, it serves well on moderate alpine ascents and glacial crossings. Its slightly heavier weight is noticeable on longer trips, but that extra heft can give confidence to newer climbers learning proper technique. Overall, the GZERO is a reliable and affordable option for anyone getting started in alpine adventures.

Pros:

• Affordable and beginner-friendly

• Insulated shaft improves comfort

• Durable steel pick for reliable arrest

• Great for trekking and glacier travel

Cons:

• Too heavy for ultralight setups

• Not designed for technical climbing

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3. PETZL Gully

• Weight: 280g (45cm)

• Shaft material: Aluminum

• Pick material: Steel with tapered tip

• Certification: CE/UIAA certified

The PETZL Gully is a highly compact and ultralight technical ice axe designed for ski mountaineering and steep alpine climbing. At just 280 grams, it’s one of the lightest technical axes on the market, yet it still features a fully steel pick that delivers solid performance on steep snow, ice, and mixed terrain. The curved shaft and adjustable Trigrest handrest offer improved grip and stability, particularly during technical moves or self-arrest situations.

Despite its minimalist design, the Gully packs in real climbing capability. It’s ideal for fast-and-light ascents where every gram matters, such as couloir climbs or technical ski tours. The modular head allows for attachment of an adze or hammer, depending on your needs. However, the short shaft (45cm) limits its usefulness for traditional glacier travel or plunge-stepping on moderate slopes. That said, it performs far beyond its weight class when used for its intended purpose. It’s best suited for experienced alpinists who prioritize versatility and performance in a compact tool.

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight and compact

• Technical pick handles steep ice well

• Trigrest adds grip security on steep terrain

• Modular head for customization

Cons:

• Too short for general mountaineering

• Not ideal for prolonged plunge-stepping

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4. Blue Ice Blackbird

• Weight: 375g (60cm)

• Shaft material: Anodized aluminum

• Pick material: Sandvik stainless steel

• Certification: CE/UIAA certified

The Blue Ice Blackbird is a dependable, all-purpose mountaineering axe that strikes a solid balance between weight, durability, and performance. With a gently curved anodized aluminum shaft and a sharp Sandvik stainless steel pick, it’s built to handle a range of alpine activities, from classic snow ascents to moderate glacier crossings. Its clean, minimalist construction reflects Blue Ice’s focus on efficient design, while the stainless steel spike offers reliable penetration in firm snow.

On the mountain, the Blackbird feels intuitive and stable in hand. The slightly curved shaft improves clearance without getting in the way of plunging, and the pick offers solid bite when self-arresting or crossing icy slopes. It’s not built for steep ice or technical mixed terrain, but it holds its own on more general mountaineering routes. The weight sits in a comfortable middle ground—light enough for long approaches, but substantial enough to provide confidence. It’s a great choice for climbers who want simplicity and reliability without breaking the bank or adding unnecessary grams.

Pros:

• Well-balanced for general alpine use

• Sharp pick with good self-arrest capabilities

• Lightweight without being fragile

• Excellent value for quality

Cons:

• Not suited for steep technical terrain

• No grip or leash included by default

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5. Trango Raptor

• Weight: 625g

• Shaft material: T-rated aluminum

• Pick material: Chromoly steel

• Certification: CE/UIAA certified (Type 2)

The Trango Raptor is a hybrid ice tool designed for technical alpine climbing and moderate waterfall ice. It’s built with a T-rated shaft and a robust chromoly steel pick, giving it the strength and confidence needed for demanding terrain. The curved shaft offers excellent clearance for steep sections, and the modular head system lets users switch between adze and hammer configurations. Its ergonomic grip and aggressive pick design make it well-suited for both ice and mixed climbing.

In the field, the Raptor feels secure and responsive when swinging into ice or hooking rock features. It has enough heft to drive into firmer ice with confidence but remains manageable on long alpine routes. While not as light as a pure mountaineering axe, it offers more versatility for climbers who want one tool that can handle both technical and general terrain. The shaft’s grip zone is textured for better handling with gloves, though some users may want to add tape or rubber for extra friction. Overall, the Raptor is a solid mid-range tool for climbers transitioning from mountaineering into more technical ground.

Pros:

• Versatile design handles ice and alpine terrain

• Modular head adds flexibility

• T-rated shaft for technical use

• Ergonomic shape improves swing and grip

Cons:

• Heavier than standard mountaineering axes

• Overkill for easy snow routes

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6. Black Diamond Raven

• Weight: 437g (60cm)

• Shaft material: Aircraft-grade aluminum

• Pick material: Stainless steel

• Certification: CE/UIAA certified

The Black Diamond Raven is a classic mountaineering axe trusted by alpinists for decades. It features a straight, durable aluminum shaft and a one-piece stainless steel head with an ergonomically shaped pick and a wide, flat adze. Designed for general mountaineering, glacier travel, and moderate snow slopes, the Raven prioritizes reliability and simplicity. Its design lends itself well to plunge-stepping, self-arrest, and chopping steps when needed.

On snow-covered approaches and glacial crossings, the Raven feels dependable and solid. The pick bites securely into firm snow, and the spike plunges easily, offering good stability when used as a cane. While it’s not built for steep or highly technical terrain, it’s perfect for classic routes where you need a trustworthy companion more than a technical tool. The head is comfortable to hold even with bare hands, and the optional leash can add a touch of security. It’s a no-frills tool that gets the job done without weighing you down—an excellent choice for mountaineers seeking a traditional, proven axe.

Pros:

• Strong, durable construction

• Comfortable, ergonomic head

• Ideal for general mountaineering

• Excellent price-to-performance ratio

Cons:

• Not suitable for steep or technical climbs

• No grip or textured shaft section

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7. CAMP Corsa Alpine

• Weight: 240g (60cm)

• Shaft material: 7075 aluminum

• Pick material: Steel

• Certification: CE/UIAA certified

The CAMP Corsa Alpine is an ultralight ice axe designed for fast-and-light alpinists who want minimal weight without compromising too much on performance. At just 240 grams, it’s one of the lightest axes with a steel pick on the market. The shaft is made from 7075 aluminum and is slightly curved for better clearance on steeper snow, while the steel head gives it the edge needed for reliable self-arrest and step-cutting on firm terrain. A sandblasted grip zone adds some extra handling security.

In real alpine conditions, the Corsa Alpine performs surprisingly well for such a featherweight tool. The steel pick offers noticeably better bite than fully aluminum axes, making it a smarter choice for glacier travel or moderate couloir climbs. It’s not designed for vertical ice, but it’s a much more capable and secure tool than most other ultralight options. The shaft feels sturdy despite its low weight, though the lack of a real leash or modular features means it’s best suited for those with solid technique. Overall, the Corsa Alpine is a niche but powerful tool—perfect for experienced climbers looking to save grams without sacrificing safety.

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight for its performance

• Steel pick provides solid self-arrest

• Curved shaft improves clearance

• Great for ski mountaineering and fast alpine missions

Cons:

• Lacks modular features or leash

• Not for steep or technical ice

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How to Use Ice Axes for Ice Climbing?

Ice climbing is one of the most thrilling and technical winter sports. Whether you’re ascending frozen waterfalls, alpine ice, or steep couloirs, your ice axe is one of the most important tools on your harness. Knowing how to use it effectively is not just about performance — it’s about safety and survival in harsh, vertical environments. This article will guide you through the essential techniques, types of ice axes, and practical tips for using them in real-world scenarios.

Understanding the Types of Ice Axes

Before learning how to use an ice axe, you need to choose the right type for your climb. Ice axes come in two broad categories: mountaineering axes and technical ice tools.

1. Mountaineering Ice Axes:
   These are straight-shafted, lightweight tools used mainly for glacier travel, self-arrest, and moderate snow slopes. They’re not designed for vertical ice.

2. Technical Ice Tools:
   These are curved and aggressively shaped for vertical or overhanging ice. They have ergonomic handles for leashless climbing and allow precise swings and placements.

For vertical ice climbing, you’ll typically need a pair of technical ice tools — one for each hand — with interchangeable picks, modular heads, and curved shafts for clearance and swing precision.

Key Parts of an Ice Axe

Understanding each part of the axe helps you use it better:

• Pick: The pointed steel blade used to penetrate the ice.

• Adze or Hammer: The flat part (adze) helps cut steps or clear snow; hammers are for pounding protection like pitons.

• Shaft: The handle of the axe, often curved for ergonomics and leverage.

• Grip: Usually rubber-coated, allowing a secure hold even with gloves.

• Spike: Located at the bottom, it helps when walking on snow or in self-arrest.

How to Hold an Ice Axe

There are two main grips used in ice climbing:

1. Dagger Position (Piolet Canne):
   This is common in mountaineering. Hold the axe by the head with the spike down, useful for ascending low-angle snow.

2. Climbing Grip (on vertical terrain):
   Hold the shaft just above the grip or on the handle with your fingers wrapped around it. Most ice tools have finger rests or triggers for this purpose.

When climbing vertical ice, you’ll use two axes in alternation, swinging one while the other is secure.

Swinging the Ice Axe

Swinging the axe correctly is essential. A good swing:

• Uses your shoulder and elbow, not your wrist.

• Should follow a controlled arc.

• Ends with the pick penetrating the ice with minimal rebound.

Swing Technique:

1. Position your feet solidly in the ice using crampons.

2. Hold the axe near the base of the grip.

3. Raise your elbow, not your whole arm.

4. Swing the pick overhead in a slightly curved motion.

5. Aim for solid ice, not air pockets or brittle edges.

6. Once it sticks, give it a test tug before committing your weight.

Tip: If the pick doesn’t stick, don’t yank — wiggle and gently remove it to preserve the ice.

Matching Feet and Hands

Efficient climbing is all about coordination. After each axe placement:

1. Step your feet up to bring your body closer to the ice.

2. Keep your heels slightly down and your legs straight.

3. Move the lower axe to a higher position.

4. Repeat with the other foot and hand.

This flow — placement, step-up, repeat — keeps your movement smooth and reduces fatigue.

Self-Arrest and Safety

While vertical climbing usually uses ice tools, basic self-arrest with a mountaineering axe is a vital skill on snow slopes:

1. Fall face-down with your head uphill.

2. Roll onto your belly while holding the axe diagonally across your chest.

3. Drive the pick into the snow.

4. Press your weight onto the axe and dig your toes in to stop sliding.

Even on steep ice, practicing self-arrest techniques can be a lifesaver if you lose grip or footing.

Leashed vs. Leashless

Most modern climbers prefer leashless tools. This gives better mobility, allows tool swaps, and reduces the risk of entanglement. Many tools have tethers attached to your harness for security if dropped.

However, leashed axes can still be useful on long, sustained pitches or in alpine settings where dropping a tool could be catastrophic.

Choose what suits your climb and practice both systems in controlled environments.

Placing Protection with an Ice Axe

While ice tools aren’t used to place protection directly, the hammer end can help:

• Hammer: Pound in pitons or drive ice screws into place.

• Adze: Clear snow to create a solid stance or find ice for screw placements.

Remember to always build solid anchors and have redundant protection on multipitch routes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Over-Swinging: Leads to poor placements and exhausts your arms. Focus on accuracy, not power.

2. Too Close or Too Far: Axe placements that are too close reduce balance; too far wastes energy.

3. Climbing with Bent Arms: This causes rapid fatigue. Keep your arms straight and legs active.

4. Ignoring Pick Maintenance: Dull picks bounce off ice. Sharpen them regularly.

5. Not Testing Placements: Always test before loading weight — a popped axe can lead to a dangerous fall.

Training and Practice

Like any climbing technique, ice axe use improves with practice:

• Set up top-rope sessions on known ice flows.

• Practice swinging, placements, and footwork.

• Simulate real climbing movements in a gym with dry tooling holds.

• Learn from experienced climbers or hire a guide for personalized instruction.

Many climbing schools offer ice clinics where you can refine your technique under expert supervision.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of ice axes is a critical skill for any ice climber. From selecting the right type of tool to perfecting your swing and movement, everything contributes to a safer, more enjoyable climb. While gear plays a key role, it’s your technique, body position, and decision-making that truly make the difference. Practice often, stay sharp (literally and figuratively), and respect the ice — it’s one of the most rewarding environments to climb in.