10 Best Ice Axes For Ski Mountaineering [2025]
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Selecting the best ice axes for ski mountaineering can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the sport or those looking to upgrade their gear. With a myriad of options available on the market, each boasting different features, weights, and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The right ice axe is not just a tool; it’s an essential piece of equipment that can significantly impact your safety and performance in the mountains. Navigating through various brands and models can quickly become a time-consuming challenge, fraught with uncertainty about which axe will truly meet your needs.
To simplify this process, we have meticulously researched and shortlisted the top 10 ice axes that excel in ski mountaineering. Our selection criteria focused on factors such as durability, weight, design, and user reviews to ensure that we present you with only the best options available. By compiling this comprehensive list, we aim to save you valuable time and reduce the hassle associated with finding the right ice axe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your ski mountaineering journey, our curated guide will help you make an informed choice with confidence.
Top 10 Ice Axes For Ski Mountaineering In The Market
Best Ice Axes For Ski Mountaineering Review
- HIGHLY TECHNICAL: The GULLY ice axe is designed for technical mountaineering and steep skiing. The steel head and banana-shaped pick allows for efficient penetration and easy unhooking.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing in at only 280 grams, it's light enough for longer treks and climbs and you can add weights (sold separately) to improve the anchoring qualities.
- COMPACT: The GULLY is only 45 cm in length and has a beveled spike, allowing for easy storage inside your pack and reduced risk of injury when attached to the outside of your pack.
- EASY TO USE: The TRIGREST handrest allows for your hand position to be quickly adjusted without tools when changing climbing modes.
- MINIMAL: The minimalist adze and hammer help clean holds or hammer a piton back in.
- Compact lightweight skitouring ice axe
- unisex
- One Size
- Ski Touring
- Aluminium 7075. Steel
- A new generation of walking axe. GZERO a very light ice axe for classical alpinism that still has all the characteristics of a Grivel ice axe including, head that provides maximum strength and minimal weight.
- The pick is classically neutral with ergonomic design that remains comfortable after hours of climbing.
- The brand insulating removable ergonomic blade cover lets the user firmly grip the axe by the head without risk of injury.
- It also protects the hand from contact with cold metal especially in low temperatures and high altitudes expeditions.
- The perfect tool to discover the mountains with added safety and comfort.
- A lightweight axe with a steel head for technical terrain
- Designed for glacier travel, alpinism and ski mountaineering
- Pick is tapered to 3 mm for better penetration on hard snow and ice
- Nylon spike plug keeps snow out of the shaft
- Small head slot for seamless integration with the Corsa leash (sold separately)
- THE ULTIMATE SWING & BITE - The Raptor is our top of the line leashless ice and mixed tool that swings beautifully and bites like a dream; The grip is one-piece molded rubber for comfort, durability and reduced fatigue
- RAZOR SHARP - The pick penetrates the hardest ice with minimal force & cleans easily
- VERSATILE DESIGN - Removable weights included are included for added versatility
- TECH SPECS - Weight: 575 g without pick weights / 640 g with weights; Comes with ice-specific pick only; Pick covers included
- HIGHLY TECHNICAL: The GULLY ice axe is designed for technical mountaineering and steep skiing. The steel head and banana-shaped pick allows for efficient penetration and easy unhooking.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing in at only 280 grams, it's light enough for longer treks and climbs and you can add weights (sold separately) to improve the anchoring qualities.
- COMPACT: The GULLY is only 45 cm in length and has a beveled spike, allowing for easy storage inside your pack and reduced risk of injury when attached to the outside of your pack.
- EASY TO USE: The TRIGREST handrest allows for your hand position to be quickly adjusted without tools when changing climbing modes.
- MINIMAL: The minimalist adze and hammer help clean holds or hammer a piton back in.
- Hyperlight ice axe for glacier travel and ski mountaineering
- Nylon spike plug keeps snow out of the shaft
- Small head slot for seamless integration with the Corsa leash (sold separately)
- Machined grip for good handling
- Updated design optimizes performance and comfort
- Forged chromoly steel pick and adze with an ergonomic design for good comfort and the best grip
- Ergonomic adze is shaped and sized for optimal chopping performance, Carabiner holes on the head and spike for leashes and tethers
- Steel spike for clean plunging, Equipped with Touring Leash (1305)
- Length: 65cm, Weight: 515g/18.2oz
- The lightest certified ice axe in the world
- Designed specifically for competitive ski mountaineering racers
- 50 cm length meets the minimum standard for the ISMF
- Reductions in shaft material and removal of the shaft plug cut weight to the absolute minimum
- Machined holes in the grip reduce weight and improve handling
- Sandvik Nanoflex is an innovative patented steel alloy that is 70% stronger and 20% harder than normal steel which allows for a significant reduction in the amount of metal used, thereby decreasing weight while maintaining strength.
- A technical version of the Corsa with a single-curve shaft and Sandvik Nanoflex steel reinforced tip and spike for a solid grip on hard snow and ice
- Designed for glacier travel and ski mountaineering
- Nylon spike plug keeps snow out of the shaft
- Small head slot for seamless integration with the Corsa leash (sold separately)
Bottom Line
In conclusion, selecting the best ice axes for ski mountaineering is crucial for ensuring both safety and performance in challenging alpine environments. Our carefully curated list of the top 10 products was derived from extensive research, user reviews, and expert recommendations. We considered essential factors such as weight, durability, grip, and versatility to ensure that each ice axe can handle the rigors of ski mountaineering while providing the climber with confidence in their gear.
By following our list, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and skill level. Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or just starting out, investing in a high-quality ice axe can significantly enhance your experience on the slopes and help you navigate complex terrains with ease. We hope this guide serves as a valuable resource in your journey to find the best ice axe that suits your adventures.
