Best ice axes for 2024: technical tools for winter hikers

A great all-rounder of a winter hillwalking ice axe from a reputable brand. The Petzl Glacier self-arrests capably, has a slightly more aggressive pick than other options (which means it climbs steeper snow slightly better), and has a wide, squared-off adze that clears out snow well. 

Although primarily designed for use in traditional piolet mode, the Glacier has technical features for use on steeper ground too. It's therefore a versatile option for winter hillwalkers with an intrepid approach.

The anodised 7075 aluminium straight shaft has machined grooves for better grip. The axe head is made from high quality steel. Its toothed pick is identical to the pick used in more technical ice axes, and delivers on the guarantee from Petzl claiming “solid bite and durability”, with geometry engineered for sure and stable anchoring.

The wide adze also has sharp edges, and the stainless steel spike pierces hard snow very well. The upper part of the pick is comfy in-hand, and holes in the head and spike can be used for a carabiner.

With a sensible price tag and excellent performance, the DMM Spire features a lightweight shaft combined with a high strength head, resulting in a modern ice axe with just enough heft to perform reliably on snow, ice and névé, as well as work fine in walking mode. 

Manufactured in DMM’s factory in Llanberis, under the shadow of mighty Snowdon, the Spire has a straight shaft made from anodised aluminium, and a pick and welded adze made from a high-strength steel alloy. This approach aims to strike a fine balance between lightness and toughness. At just 380g, the Spire is certainly light enough to carry easily and comfortably, yet it can still penetrate ice, cut steps and deliver “excellent purchase and durability”, as DMM puts it. 

The strong, durable spike provides good grip and security. And the pick angle offers respectable performance on steeper ground and enhanced penetration in ice and snow. Both the pick and spike have tethering points for a carabiner or sling. The axe head is comfy in the hand, thanks to the sloping, ergonomic shape. 

For more technical pursuits, the Spire Tech has a slightly curved shaft and machined grip and is available in three sizes (45cm, 50cm, 55cm).

Why overcomplicate things? This no-nonsense ice axe is ideal for the beginner winter hillwalker, with a simple steel blade and adze, straight shaft, removable plastic cover for comfort and thermal protection, and an adjustable webbing leash with rubber tip for the spike. 

At 479g, it’s a tad heavy for a non-technical axe, but some may find additional stability and security in the extra weight. The £70 price is competitive and four bright colourways are available (pink ice axe, anyone?). The shaft is constructed from aluminium while the blade is steel. 

The pick and adze aren’t particularly aggressive, but for less technical use they suffice. The axe’s most striking feature, however, is the soft, rubber-like plastic cover that fits over the centre of the axe head. This significantly enhances comfort when you’re holding the axe in walking mode. It also insulates your fingers from the coldness of the steel and protects them from the sharper edges and teeth of the pick. 

All in all, the G-Zero does the basics very efficiently and is ideal as a ‘just in case’ safety tool for beginner mountaineers. Grivel makes a plastic axe guard for this axe, but it's sold separately.

A regular fixture at the top of our ‘best ice axe’ picks for years, the Petzl Summit Evo has a well-proven design and first-rate performance, and will appeal to those looking for a premium product with a touch of aesthetic flair. However it’s very expensive – and that will understandably be hard for many to justify. For most winter hill-goers there are far cheaper options that will suffice. 

If you fancy splashing out, though, the Summit Evo is a “precise and efficient ice axe”, with “very comfortable grip” and impressive performance on “steep icy terrain”, as Petzl puts it. The aluminium shaft is lightweight, with a rubber grip at the base for better traction in the hand. A gentle curve in the shaft provides improved clearance for swinging the tool on steep, technical ground. 

The axe head delivers good anchoring qualities. It achieves this by being constructed from hot forged steel. For efficient step cutting, this axe has a sharp, toothed pick and tilted adze. 

The mid-range weight of 450g strikes an excellent balance between carrying comfort when walking and effective use as a climbing axe on more technical ice and snow.

We’ve included a Black Diamond Raven in almost every round-up of ice axes and make no apology for doing the same now. The Raven is a classic straight shafted walking axe, while this Pro version has a slightly curved shaft for use on more technical ground.

With a sleek, beautiful look, this ice axe from the alpine gear boffins at Black Diamond is excellent. It's sturdy, has good features, and is a proven design. The Raven has been used on expeditions across the world.

The axe head is made from a single piece of stainless steel. To aid comfort, the Raven has an ergonomic approach and has a large hole suitable for a carabiner. The pick is sharp and the adze geometry aggressive, which offered excellent efficiency. Meanwhile the steel spike at the base delivers “better bite and improved plunge-ability”. 

By having serrated teeth and a curved pick, this axe makes self-arresting easier. And the high grade aluminium shaft with a trapezoidal cross-section enhances grip. For an ice axe with no wrist leash or axe head cover grip, the price seems a touch on the expensive side. But ultimately the high quality craftsmanship and excellent design warrant the cost. 

Black Diamond's standard Raven versions suits winter walkers better thanks to its straight shaft. It's also less expensive.

The Neve from Italian brand C.A.M.P (which stands for Costruzione Articoli Montagna Premana’) is a reliable ice axe for hillwalking, entry-level mountaineering and glacier travel. It has impressive all-round performance considering the excellent price. 

The axe head consists of a single piece of forged chromoly steel. It also has an ergonomic shape to deliver secure grip and comfort. By featuring serrated teeth and a positive downward curve, C.A.M.P has created an axe with “solid anchoring in hard snow and a high level of control during self-arrest”, as C.A.M.P itself puts it. 

The shape and size of the adze is for “optimal chopping performance” and the steel spike at the base is sharp enough to plunge into ice and snow cleanly. Both the head and spike have holes for use with a carabiner, and C.A.M.P’s adjustable touring leash – a simple sliding wrist leash which does its job fine – is also provided without additional cost. 

The weight of 524g for the 65cm version is the heaviest on test and this may split opinions. Some will prefer a lighter version that’s easier to carry, while others may find reassurance in the added stability, security and performance a heftier piolet can offer.

Billed as a “robust general walking axe” by Climbing Technology, the Alpin Tour is a gently-curved, T-rated axe at a superb price. 

Its hardened steel axe head features a cataphoresis coating and the curved, tapered shaft is lightweight, anodised alloy. The curve is in the upper third of the shaft, with the lower two-thirds remaining straight, meaning the axe works competently enough in walking ‘piolet mode’. Although a notch in the axe head reduces carrying comfort in the hand. The shaft is hexagonal rather than circular, which some may prefer for gripping. The sharp spike at the axe base has good penetration. 

The leash features a comfortable wrist support and length adjustment buckle. 

For beginners and general winter hillwalkers, this axe’s technicality may be overkill and a straight shafted tool may be preferable. But for those seeking out steeper and more technical ground, the Alpin Tour is ready for the action, courtesy of a wide adze for step-cutting, aggressive down-curved pick, and gently-curved shaft for better swinging performance.

This is an unusual looking ice axe (you can also get it in bright pink to make it stand out from the crowd even more).

Its unique design with the cut-shaft end reduces weight – its just 269g for the 45cm length (there are also 50cm and 53cm lengths) – which, in combination with its ergonomically shaped head makes it easy and comfortable to carry in the hand, and barely noticeable when stowed on your pack.

That low weight makes the Grivel Ghost a good axe for walking. But the flipside is that it's not the best axe for more demanding jobs such as self arresting, cutting steps and the like. Nor is it the toughest. Essentially, it's a great option for ‘just-in-case’ use.

This is a Type 2 or B Rated ice axe for strength. This means it’s tough enough to be used for more technical purposes such as building a belay.

But we found that even if actual climbing is off the cards, a winter mountaineer will appreciate the reliable rugged build and the sliding grip rest.

Although this extra strength predictably adds weight (430g for the 50cm length, 445g for the 55cm) this is an axe that will last many, many winters.

Despite its vicious looking pick, the straight shaft and Type 1 strength rating indicates that this is very much an axe for walkers, albeit ones that perhaps occasionally dabble in mountaineering.

It’s fairly light, at 350g for the 53cm length, but if it’s purely for walking use the longer 65cm version might be preferable. And if mountaineering forms a bigger part of its use, the curved shaft Alpine Tec is worth considering.

We found the Alpine-X has an ergonomically shaped, carbon steel head for a comfortable carrying experience; a strong and aggressive 3mm blade for improved grip and penetration; a sharpened adze shovel for effective step cutting and ledge chopping; and a straight, anodised and hardened 7075 aluminium shaft for “smooth plunging”. 

As is customary, the head and spike have cut-outs to accommodate a sling or carabiner. A wrist leash is not provided, but Salewa sells one. 

The main selling point is the very aggressive head, which can tackle ice and snow competently. The adze has a hooked spade and the pick has a sharpened blade and serrated teeth for enhanced traction. Consequently, the Alpine-X is capable on steeper and more technical ground. But for beginners and those wanting a tool suitable for practicing ice axe arrests, this is perhaps too aggressive.