“I am new to snow hiking and have being informed that an ice axe is essential to hiking the wonderland trail this time of year... does anyone know how to measure the correct length for the axe”

“Depends what you are using it for. For self arrest you want something that you can hold in your hand and use like a hiking pole.”

“I am new to snow hiking and have being informed that an ice axe is essential to hiking the wonderland trail this time of year... does anyone know how to measure the correct length for the axe”

“Um, that was strange!”

“Ok, I'm more than ready and I'm headed up to Dinkey Creek in a week. Thats if the road is open, I might have to wait two weeks until the snow has melted enought to get to the trail head, but I am definately there! I'm finishing my last finals today, selling my books back for some trail cash, and gettin the he!! out of Dodge :) I've been running 5 miles a day and doing some weight training in anticipation for some peak bagging and deathmarching. Summer is finally here! I hope to bag Dogtooth Peak and the Three Sisters up at Dinkey. Both are above 10,000 ft.”

“I am new to snow hiking and have being informed that an ice axe is essential to hiking the wonderland trail this time of year... does anyone know how to measure the correct length for the axe”

“Newbie alert!”

“Measure to center of your palm when standing with your arms hanging at sides. They're not made to use like a hiking pole. Practice self-arrest before you hit the trail, it could save your life.”

“What happened?”

“This is one freaky thread. Dinkey Lks is awesome, so are Ice Axes.”

“Ok Kleety? you do what to yourself with your palm?”

“...from floor to palm.


I bought one at a second hand store in Missoula, MT last summer. The bugger is 80 cm long. It IS a freaking hiking pole. My desired length would be closer to 70 cm. It's made of aluminum, and I will cut it down before the next use.

I got a pair of "antique" crampons at another second hand joint in Missoula, too. They were made in Austria. HEAVY! ...but effective. I paid around $20.00 each for the crampons (pair) and ax.

Don't forget a lanyard for the ax. I was glissading (?) with mine when it hit "bone" below the surface. The ax stopped, but I didn't. I was left dangling by the lanyard. If I had not had the lanyard, it would have taken me a looooong time to stop, and I woulda had to hike back up the pass to retrieve my ax.”

“what the hell?”

“I think something like this happened on X Files.”

“It's a new alien human hybrid.”

“Learn self-arrest

Also, always remove crampons before glissading!”