Mountaineering Ice Axes

Of course! At decathlon.com.gr you will find certified ice axes and piolets for mountaineering and technical ice climbing. The collection includes classic ice axes with straight or slightly curved shafts, technical ice tools, as well as ultra-lightweight ski touring models from specialized Decathlon brands, meeting all international UIAA and CE (EN 13089) safety standards.

A piolet (ice axe) is the most essential balance and safety tool in winter mountaineering.
It serves as a support cane when walking on snow slopes, allows step cutting in hard snow, provides an anchor point at belay stations, and most importantly is the sole tool for executing a self-arrest in case of a slip.

To find the ideal classic ice axe length, stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides holding the head of the ice axe in your palm.
The bottom spike of the shaft should reach approximately your ankle height (or 2-5 cm above it). For most mountaineers, the correct length ranges between 50 cm and 65 cm.
The right choice is essential, as an excessively long ice axe hinders self-arrest, while an overly short one forces your body to bend uncomfortably while walking.

The choice depends on terrain steepness and route difficulty:
• A straight shaft is ideal for classic mountaineering and hiking on mild to moderate slopes, as it plunges easily and deeply into snow as a cane.
• A slightly curved shaft is essential on steeper slopes. The curve protects knuckles from impacting ice and offers better clearance and pick placement when steepness increases.

The choice depends on your route requirements.
An adze (shovel-like blade) is the standard choice for classic mountaineering, as it is used for cutting steps in hard snow, clearing ice, and shaping platforms.
A hammer is primarily used in technical alpinism and mixed climbing, where hammering pitons, anchors, or ice screws into rock and ice is required.