It's always a good idea to have Petzl's Ride Ice Axe in your ski pack when the route gets icy and steep. This ultralight, compact ice axe is an essential tool when crossing glaciers or climbing steep, icy peaks. Its steel head tapers down to a mere 3mm for easy penetration, and the shaft offers a slight curve and grip for easy handling. Petzl designed this axe with a short 45cm length and beveled head so you can pack it inside backpacks to further reduce risk of injury.