When you're traveling on firm snow, an ice axe is an essential piece of gear. A certified mountain guide tells us why.

Lets start with the ice axe. Many of the older instruction books will tell ... Q. Can’t I just use ski poles instead of an axe? A. Ski poles are great for support on long descents and balance when ...

Whippets, ice picks, and trekking poles are sharp objects and therefore ... Travelers should pack ice axes in checked luggage ...