Alpine: 8. Changing Directions in Snow
Alpine & Mountaineering
•
1m 22s
Let’s look at how to change directions when climbing steep snow slopes. When switchbacking up a steep snow slope, you will obviously have to change directions—multiple times!
Here are the steps for changing direction, while maintaining a self belay with the ice axe for security:
Step 1: Take an “out of balance” cross over step (legs crossed).
Step 2: Move your other foot up and into the same plane, so you’re standing in the “duck walk” position with both hands on your ice axe in a “self belay.” See the video for demonstrations, and for more on walking techniques, see our video on “Snow Travel - Duck Foot”[hyperlink to video].
Step 3: Change hands on your ice axe so that when you change directions your axe is still in the uphill hand. Spin the head of the ice axe so you have the same grip as before the turn (this will likely be the “self arrest” grip with pick backwards, but some may prefer a pick-forward grip).
Step 4: Move your foot into an “in balance” foot position (legs uncrossed, uphill foot forward), and continue to walk or climb in the new direction of travel.
We hope you found this video helpful. Feel free to comment below with questions or thoughts!
Please remember, climbing is inherently dangerous. Climb at your own risk.
Up Next in Alpine & Mountaineering
-
Alpine: 9. Crampon Anti-Balling Plates
In this video we discuss crampon anti-balling plates. Snow can stick to the bottom of your crampons, especially in wet snow conditions. After a few steps, you’ll feel like you’re walking on slippery (and heavy) platform shoes, and your sharp points will be useless.
One solution that manufactur...
-
Alpine: 10. Descending on Snow
In this video we look at descent techniques on snow. Investing time to become comfortable and efficient while descending snow helps you become faster on big mountain routes. People who ski or snowboard are likely familiar with a key component of the technique: keeping a confident, athletic positi...
-
Alpine: 11. The Self-Arrest
In this video we review the self-arrest technique, a way of stopping a slip and fall on steep snow. Self arresting involves using the ice axe as a brake when one has slipped down a snow slope, and is a tool that should be automatic for every mountaineer. It takes practice, and mastery is key.
...
