"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here’s what you need to know when choosing ice tools, along with my favorite picks for the best ice axes.

When venturing into the backcountry in winter and even into the shoulder seasons of late fall and early spring, an ice axe is a vital tool for navigating steep snow fields, ice, and scrambles. However ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here’s what you need to know when choosing ice tools, along with my favorite picks for the best ice axes.