Noun
an ax used by mountain climbers for cutting footholds in ice
Source: WordNetice-axe
Ascending and descending a snow slope safely requires the use of an ice axe and many different footwork techniques that have been developed over the past century, mainly in Europe (e.g. French technique and German technique). Source: Internet
Mutual assistance on hard rocks takes all manner of forms: two, or even three, people climbing on one another's shoulders, or using an ice axe propped up by others for a foothold. Source: Internet
In either case, an ice axe not only assists with balance but provides the climber with the possibility of self-arrest in case of a slip or fall. Source: Internet
On a true ice slope however, an ice axe is rarely able to effect a self-arrest. Source: Internet