Best Climbing Ice Axes of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

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Climbing ice axes are essential tools for mountaineers and ice climbers. These specialised axes are designed to provide a secure grip on ice and snow, allowing climbers to ascend steep and slippery slopes with confidence. They come in a range of sizes and styles, from lightweight tools for fast and agile climbing to heavier models for more technical routes. Climbing ice axes are typically made from high-strength materials like steel or aluminium, and feature sharp, curved picks and ergonomic handles for maximum grip and control. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, a good set of climbing ice axes is an indispensable piece of equipment for any serious mountain adventurer.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Climbing Technology Agile Plus Ice Pick Axe Cover #TOP 1
Climbing Technology Agile Plus Ice Pick Axe
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Salewa Alpine-X 53 Unisex Ice Axe Cover #TOP 2
Salewa Alpine-X 53 Unisex Ice Axe
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Petzl Ice Summit Adults' Ice Axe, 59 cm Cover #TOP 3
Petzl Ice Summit Adults' Ice Axe, 59 cm
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Climbing Ice Axes

#TOP 1

Climbing Technology Agile Plus Ice Pick Axe

3I84955SWV2CTST
orange
55 cm
Climbing Technology Agile Plus Ice Pick Axe Cover
Climbing Technology Agile Plus Ice Pick Axe, unisex adult, Agile Plus Ice Axe, orange

The Agile Plus Ice Axe from Climbing Technology is a reliable tool designed for climbing enthusiasts. Weighing just 460 grams, it is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for long treks in snowy conditions. With dimensions of 5.4 x 23 x 57.5 cm, it ensures convenient storage and portability. The good quality of this ice axe provides you with the confidence needed when tackling icy terrain, ensuring safety and efficiency during your climbs.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Compact size
High-quality construction
Suitable for various climbers
#TOP 2

Salewa Alpine-X 53 Unisex Ice Axe

00-0000001754
NIGHT/BLACK
Salewa Alpine-X 53 Unisex Ice Axe Cover
Salewa Alpine-X Ice Axe, Night, 53, Unisex

The Salewa Alpine-X Ice Axe is a lightweight hybrid designed for mountaineering, ensuring comfort during both ascent and descent. Its ergonomic shape fits snugly in your hand, making it easier to handle. The aggressive 3 mm blade is perfect for penetrating steep or glacier ice, providing you with reliable performance. With its balanced weight distribution, you can expect good anchoring, enhancing your stability on icy terrain. Additionally, the sharp tungsten carbide pick tip offers excellent grip, giving you the confidence needed in challenging conditions.

What We Like
Ergonomic design for comfort
Aggressive blade for easy penetration
Good weight distribution
Excellent grip on ice
#TOP 3

Petzl Ice Summit Adults' Ice Axe, 59 cm

U13B 059
Black - black
59 cm
Petzl Ice Summit Adults' Ice Axe, 59 cm Cover
Petzl Adults'Ice Summit Black black Size:59 cm

The Petzl Ice Summit Axe is designed for climbers seeking a reliable tool for ice climbing. Made from 7075 aluminium and a steel head, it combines a lightweight design with a heavy head, ensuring effective performance on the ice. The 59 cm length allows for a comfortable grip, making it easier for you to hold during climbs. Additionally, it is compatible with the Linkin hand strap, providing extra security and convenience when navigating challenging terrains.

What We Like
Lightweight yet sturdy design
Comfortable grip for climbers
Heavy head for better performance
Compatible with Linkin hand strap
#TOP 4

Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe, 50cm

Raven Pro Ice Axe
Unset
50 cm
Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe, 50cm Cover
Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe, 50cm

The Black Diamond Raven Pro is an exceptional ice axe designed for climbers seeking reliable protection. Its excellent protection feature ensures you can focus on your activity without distraction. Built specifically for climbing, it offers a purpose-driven design that enhances your performance on various terrains. The cutting-edge equipment is engineered to support you across the entire spectrum of climbing pursuits, providing versatility whether on ice or rock. With the Raven Pro, you can feel confident in your equipment, allowing you to tackle challenges with ease.

What We Like
Excellent protection
Purpose-designed for climbers
Versatile for various terrains
Cutting-edge design
#TOP 5

PETZL PIOLET Ride Lightweight Ice Axe

U04A 45
orange
45 cm
PETZL PIOLET Ride Lightweight Ice Axe Cover
PETZL PIOLET Ride Ice Axe, Orange, 45 cm

The PETZL PIOLET Ride is an excellent choice for climbers seeking a reliable ice axe. Its tapered steel head, measuring 3 mm, enables you to penetrate ice efficiently, ensuring a secure placement. The curved shaft features an ergonomic grip, which enhances comfort and control during use. Weighing only 240 g, this ice axe is super lightweight, making it easy to carry on your adventures. Additionally, its compact 45 cm design allows for convenient transportation in your backpack, minimising the risk of injury when attached externally.

What We Like
Lightweight design for easy handling
Ergonomic grip for comfort
Compact size for transportation
Tapered head for easy penetration
#TOP 6

PETZL Nomic Ice Axe for Climbing

Petzl
Black
PETZL Nomic Ice Axe for Climbing Cover
PETZL Unisex_Adult Nomic Ice Axe, Black, UNI

The PETZL Nomic Ice Axe is designed for ice climbing and drytooling, providing you with the necessary tools for a successful adventure. Its steel cover offers durability, ensuring it withstands harsh conditions. The axe features a replaceable head, which allows you to maintain its performance over time, making it a wise investment. With no hand strap included, you have the flexibility to customise it according to your preferences. Additionally, the shovel and hammer are also replaceable, giving you versatility in tackling different climbing scenarios.

What We Like
Durable steel cover
Customisable with replaceable head
Versatile shovel/hammer options
Ideal for ice climbing
Perfect for drytooling
#TOP 7

Salewa North-X Ice Axe for Mountaineering

00-0000001742
NIGHT/BLACK
One size
Salewa North-X Ice Axe for Mountaineering Cover
Salewa North-X Ice Axe, Night, Unisex

The Salewa North-X Ice Axe is an award-winning tool designed for technical mountaineering activities. Its lightweight and versatile design makes it ideal for alpine ascents, steep ice climbing, and glacier crossings. You will appreciate the precision-cast steel head, which provides a comfortable grip during your climbs. The balanced weight distribution and 20-degree offset shaft enhance your swinging motion, ensuring efficient placement with every use. Plus, the unique hand rest allows for easy adjustments, enhancing your control and comfort on challenging terrains.

What We Like
Lightweight and versatile design
Comfortable grip with steel head
Efficient swing behaviour
Unique adjustable hand rest
#TOP 8

Climbing Technology Hound Plus Ice Axe

3I80270SUVFCTST
green/black
One Size
Climbing Technology Hound Plus Ice Axe Cover
Climbing Technology Hound Plus 3i80270suvfctst Ice Axe, Green/Black, One Size

The Hound Plus Ice Axe from Climbing Technology is an ideal companion for alpine climbing. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, allowing you to conserve energy on your climbs. The curved shaft enhances performance, providing better handling and control as you navigate icy terrains. With reliable traction and stability on ice, you can trust this axe to support your ascent, giving you confidence during challenging climbs. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting, this ice axe is a valuable addition to your gear.

What We Like
Lightweight for easy carrying
Curved shaft for better control
Reliable traction on ice
Stable performance during climbs
#TOP 9

Petzl Sum'Tec Unisex Ice Axe, 55 cm

U015AA00
Multicolor
Petzl Sum'Tec Unisex Ice Axe, 55 cm Cover
Petzl Unisex's Sum'Tec Ice Ax, Multicolor, UNI

The Petzl Sum'Tec Ice Axe is designed for climbers seeking a reliable tool for their ice climbing adventures. With a handle length of 55 cm, it offers an excellent grip and balance, making it easier for you to navigate tricky terrains. Weighing just 470 g, this ice axe is lightweight, allowing you to carry it effortlessly on long climbs. The scoop version of the blade enhances your ability to dig into the ice, providing extra security. Additionally, its robust blade type ensures durability, giving you peace of mind during challenging climbs.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Strong and durable blade
Comfortable 55 cm handle
Improved grip on ice
#TOP 10

Petzl 55 cm Technical Ice Axe

U015BA00
Silver
55 cm
Petzl 55 cm Technical Ice Axe Cover
Petzl Unisex_Adult sum tecice Ice Axe, Silver, 55 cm

The Petzl Ice Axe is an essential tool for technical mountaineering. Weighing just 470g, it is lightweight, making it easier for you to carry during your climbs. Crafted from durable materials like steel, aluminium, and polyamide, this ice axe offers excellent strength and reliability on icy terrain. With its CE and UIAA certifications, you can trust its safety and performance in challenging conditions. This combination of features ensures that you have the right support when tackling demanding ascents.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Durable materials
Safety certified
Ideal for technical climbs
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you need 2 ice axes?

Steep to Vertical Terrain When getting into very steep or vertical terrain, the route may require the use of two axes – generally one hybrid axe, and one ice tool; or potentially two ice tools for truly vertical terrain and beyond.

2. What are ice axes called?

An ice tool is a specialized elaboration of the modern ice axe (and often described broadly as an ice axe or technical axe), used in ice climbing, mostly for the more difficult configurations.

3. What are ice axes used for?

It is used to provide a secure support when you're walking or to make it easy to plunge the axe into snow for a belay or rescue. If you decide to use an ice axe, it's important that you have it out of your backpack and at the ready before you encounter challenging conditions.

4. How much do ice axes cost?

Decent mountaineering axes are available for under $100 while most ice tools cost more than $200—each.

Editor's Notes

During our climbing ice axis research, we found 38 climbing ice axis products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,094 customer reviews through our big data system to write the climbing ice axes list. We found that most customers choose climbing ice axes with an average price of £116.13.

The climbing ice axes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of climbing ice axes, including Climbing Technology, Salewa, PETZL, BLACK DIAMOND. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,949 consumers with an average rating of 3.7.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.