jäätyökalujen

Jäätyökalujen, a Finnish term, translates to "ice tools" and refers to specialized equipment used for ice climbing and other winter mountaineering activities. These tools are crucial for ascending frozen waterfalls, ice walls, and glaciers. The most common types of ice tools are ice axes and ice picks.

Ice axes are versatile tools that typically feature a curved shaft and a head with a pick and an adze or hammer. The pick is used for hooking into the ice and providing upward momentum, while the adze is used for chopping steps or clearing snow. The hammer end can be used for hammering in pitons or other protection. Modern ice axes are often designed for specific disciplines, with some being more aggressive for steep ice and others more general-purpose for glacier travel.

Ice picks, also known as technical ice tools, are generally shorter and more aggressively curved than traditional ice axes. They are designed for steep ice climbing and feature sharper picks for better penetration into hard ice. Climbers typically use two ice picks, one in each hand, to ascend vertical or overhanging ice. They often have leashes to prevent them from being dropped.

The materials used in ice tools vary, with shafts often made from aluminum or carbon fiber for lightness and strength, and pick heads typically forged from hardened steel for durability and sharpness. The design of ice tools has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in ergonomics and materials leading to tools that are more efficient and allow for a higher degree of technical climbing on ice.