Ice axe is a multi-functional hiking and mountaineering tool used by climbers in the ascent and descent of routes involving ice and snow and / or freezing conditions. Depending on the terrain encountered, the ice axe can be held and used in many different ways. The simplest function is to use the ice axe like a crutch in the hands of the climber. The climber keeps his head in the center and the pickaxe points to the rear. You can also bury it underground, tie the rope to the shaft to form a fixed anchor to lift the second climber on it, or bury it vertically to form a foot protection cover. This kind of zemei is used to reduce the sound of footsteps (sometimes referred to as "pigeonholes"), as well as shoveling seats into hillsides and battle SC to bury the ice axe protection rope. The long handle climbing stick is the forerunner of modern ice axe. The design of the ice axe is similar to that of the medieval war hammer.

An ice axe can be used not only as a climbing aid, but also as a means of self catching when going downhill.

Most ice axes meet the organization's design and manufacturing standards, such as the international Alpine Association (uiaa) or the European Committee for standardization. There are two types of ice axes: basic classification and technical classification. The basic ice pick is designed for general climbing snow conditions, enough for basic support and self arrest. A technical ice pick may have a curved axis strong enough to be used for steep or vertical ice climbing and protection.