Self Arrest Without an Ice Axe

How do you stop yourself on a steep slope if you drop your ice axe? Or what if you are not carrying an axe in the first place? This video explores techniques for self-arrest without an ice axe, and discusses body position, breaking action, and other considerations for a fall on snow.

[@sfmarckx]

Thank you for this! I especially appreciate the advice on using a rock to cut steps and angling the steps into the slope, like you added in the comments. I don't plan on backpacking across snow, but it happens sometimes and having extra information and tools on how to deal with it is very helpful, especially when turning around or going another way is not a good option.
All the best, Scott

[@jonahtillman9499]

Remember! This is not a replacement for an ice axe. Don’t go hike something that has a high risk of falling or slipping, thinking that you can self arrest like this. This is for emergencies only! Always travel with the necessary safety gear and equipment.

[@NoSuffix]

Learned something new. Thanks!

[@natewilliams423]

Great video series, thank you! If I can give just a little bit of constructive criticism. Can you leave your text up on the screen longer it is tough to read it before it disappears so fast? Granted I can rewind the video and pause if I need too. But I don't know if you really want me to read the text when it pops up and disappears quickly.

[@booger5514]

Well done. Thanks for doing all these!

[@andyr4611]

Thanks for sharing that very usefull technique. One question if I may? Would it be dangerous to use the technique shown while wearing micro spikes? Thanks.

[@skillsforclimbing]

Great question. First, this technique is dangerous as it is. There is a chance of injuring your ankles, elbows, etc. It is designed to be used in order to keep you from the even greater danger of sliding uncontrollably down a steep slope. If the snow is soft then microspikes will probably not increase your chance of injury while using this technique. If you are wearing microspikes because the snow is hard, and you use this technique, then there is a reasonable chance you will be injured. However, if you don't stop yourself in some way such as this, then there is an even greater chance that you will be injured to a greater extent in the subsequent slide. So for practice I would seek-out soft snow slopes with no avalanche danger, no overhead hazard, no hazards along the run-out, and would practice without microspikes. In real application I would do whatever I had to to stop a slip from becoming an uncontrollable fall. I hope this helps!

[@franka7691]

Thanks for this video. Have you tested the Black Diamond whippet pole?

[@franka7691]

@@skillsforclimbing thanks for your reply. The reason I'm asking is because I plan on buying one or two for splitboarding and maybe for AT skiing, in the back country.

[@TheHikingChick1]

What would be the best practice if you were hiking with two trekking poles, i.e. on the PCT?

[@TheHikingChick1]

@@skillsforclimbing thank you! That's great!

[@Chris_p_bacon86]

Thanks for doing this for the people that need it but I don’t ski so I don’t need this but I did come to say, you self arrest in front of me like you did in that thumbnail…. Shits liable to get WICKED…… 😂

[@Chris_p_bacon86]

No homo