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Easy glacier walking. The ax is used primarily as acane, and is held with the hand over the shaft and the pickout or forward. It may be carried horizontally, with thepoint forward, so that the user can choose whom it sticks,and the pick down, where he won't fall on it. A third position is under the armpit, the pick curving up behind theshoulder, the point forward and down. In traverses ofgentle slopes the ax is held in the uphill hand. Steep slopes. When steps are kicked and the slopeis steep enough to require additional assurance, the shaftshould be driven vertically and deep into the snow to serveas a secure handhold for each pair of steps. Steps willbreak out if the climber leans in too far to grasp the ax. |
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