Petzl Glacier Ice Axe

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The Petzl Glacier Ice Axe continues to be a dependable companion for glacier travel and general mountaineering, combining strength, comfort, and simplicity.

Petzl says: 

Lightweight ice axe for glacier travel.

The lightweight GLACIER ice axe is your go-to companion for glacier travel. With a curved head designed to fit comfortably in your hand, it provides excellent grip in the piolet-canne position. Its stainless steel spike and tapered pick offer high-quality anchoring in hard snow and ice. The GLACIER is available in four lengths: 50, 60, 68, and 75 cm.

Our Verdict

Weighing around 365g for the 68 cm length, the updated 2024/2025 version keeps its familiar balance of lightweight construction and reliable performance. I’ve appreciated the anodised aluminium shaft with its machined grooves—they offer a noticeably better grip, even when wearing gloves, compared to smoother designs. The pick’s slight taper bites well into firmer snow, and the squared adze makes cutting steps feel secure and efficient.

I like how the head sits comfortably in the hand, the design feels intuitive and stable. The stainless steel spike works well on hard snow, and the included pick and spike protectors are a practical touch for safe packing.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Lightweight:

– Holes in pick and spike provide lighter weight and options for connecting a carabiner

• Comfortable grip:

– Supportive surface on upper part of the pick is designed to fit comfortably in your hand and provides excellent grip in the piolet-canne position

– Grooves cut into the shaft provide superior grip for technical ice climbing

• High-quality anchoring:

– Steel pick tapered to 3 mm at the tip for high-quality anchoring

– Stainless steel spike easily penetrates hard snow and ice

– Durable adze for efficiently carving out steps

• Available in four lengths: 50, 60, 68, and 75 cm

Specifications

• Weight of 50cm length: 318g
• Pick type: 1
• Shaft type: 1

Material & Construction

• Material(s): Tempered steel, aluminum, nylon
• Certification(s): CE, UIAA
• Comes with protective caps for the ice axe pick and spike.

Help & advice:

• A Beginners Guide to Ice Axes