Ice axes have many uses. One of the most common is to help the climber stay balanced on steep slopes. The climber swings the axe with a short, quick movement to lodge the pick in snow or ice, creating a secure anchor. If a climber should slip and begin sliding down a snowfield, a self-arrest can be performed by turning face down on the snow and burying the pick in the snow surface. The climber's weight over the pick and firm grip on the ice axe usually stop any downward movement.
Mountaineers also use the axe to chop steps in snow or ice.
Longer axes are used as walking sticks and for probing crevasses during glacier travel. Alpine climbers gain a foothold on steep and snowy slopes by using crampons. Invented in 1908 by British climber Oscar Eckenstein, crampons are frameworks of sharp metal teeth that fasten to mountaineering boots and grip the snow and ice. They attach to the boots with straps that lace around the ankles or by snaps that connect to the boot sole. Basic mountaineering crampons are hinged between the sole and the heel, have straps, and have 10 or 12 points.