[pct-l] Ice axe Training

[tsimon10@cogeco.ca (Tom Simon)]

In regards to the Ice Axe training suggested in the last issue or two, I
suggest that it's one thing to get that axe dug in when you know when the
slides going to happen and quite another when the slide is sudden. I've had
vertical climbing training and although it might never be used, there are a
few techniques that might work here and there on the upper altitudes of the
trail.
It is generaly agreed that self arrest is out of the question if you don't
dig in within 4 or 5 seconds of slipping. Did anyone ever notice that once
you slip, you seem to black out or become disoriented until you come to rest
on the ground? So how the heck are you going to plant an axe if you're
disoriented? Bottom line in my opinion is that using the axe in tricky spots
may stop you from sliding.