Ice Axes / Self-Arrest / Glissading

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Ice Axes / Self-Arrest / Glissading

• Overview
• Ice axes
• Self-belay
• Self-arrest
• Glissading

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Ice Axes

• Length
• Short for technical ice climbing
• Long for general mountaineering
• Leash
• Keeps the axe with you on steep slopes
• Possibly dangerous during a fall

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How to Carry an Ice Axe
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How to Grasp an Ice Axe

• a. Self-arrest grip
• ready for self-arrest
• b. Self-belay grip
• more comfortable

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Self-Belay

• An extra point of contact with the snow
• Used to PREVENT a long slide

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Self-Arrest

• Technique to STOP yourself while sliding downhill
• Practice on various steepnesses and snow
  conditions
• Will NOT stop all falls use good judgement

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Self-Arrest Technique

• Plant pick in snow to provide braking
• Head uphill, face down, legs apart, weight on axe
• Can use knees, feet without crampons, elbows,
  hands
• Act quickly!!!!

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Self-Arrest Technique
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Glissading

• A fast, fun way down the mountain
• Be careful!
• Watch out for rocks, trees, ice, drop offs, ...