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How to Ice Axe Self Arrest | UNITED STATES, WYOMING | 04/04/2008, by powderjunky
As spring approaches, more of us will heed the calling into the high peaks in search of the goodness. Here is a cool video i found on you tube that gives some good demonstrations of how to self arrest, lord willing you will never have to use these techniques, but good to know and practice anyway.
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
tonybird wrote on 04/29/10 at 6:20:21 pm pst:
it's an okay video, but i'd add a couple things.
nice soft snow--nice, moderate slope. i lost a good friend and nearly lost another because it was steep, the surface was hard, and they shot off way too fast. it's the acceleration that easily gets you into a situation where you're helpless. these were very experienced guys, but they couldn't get a point in because of the speed. if you're on cement, you have to stab it aggressively the second you slip.
i always ski backcountry with a black diamond arrest grip, although i rarely use it. what lots of backcountry skiers ought to know is the ski pole arrest, which you can do with an ordinary ski pole. use just one pole--forget about the other one for the moment. grip it with arms wide apart and the jabbing hand right behind the basket. slam the point into the cliff with your shoulders. drag on it-- it's often as effective as an ice ax. practice it some time when you don't need it--you won't be sorry.
powderjunky wrote on 04/30/10 at 08:13:28 am pst:
Thanks for the tip! Sorry to hear about your friends. I agree, when I first started glissading I remember getting so much speed it was frightening, or moving so slow it was pointless, there is that too fine line of once you hit a certain speed there is really nothing you can do but pray. The key, as you say, is definitely to stop as soon as you fall.
Freeheelgirl wrote on 04/30/10 at 6:55:01 pm pst:
Good tip, thanks!
