MOUNT WASHINGTON, New Hampshire – Understanding how to properly self arrest can be life saving while mountaineering or backcountry snowboarding/skiing. That means understanding how to use the gear you have in hand and understanding the techniques that go with said gear.
In this case, a snowboarder at Tuckerman Ravine failed to hold his ice axe properly, leading him to lose the axe as he slides down a snowy face uncontrollably. Fortunately he was able to walk away with just a few scratches, but it could have been a lot worse.
“My first time snowboarding Tuckerman’s Ravine. Failed the second self-arrest attempt due to improper grip of the axe. Luckily made it out with just a couple scratches.“
To be clear, you don’t need an ice axe to self arrest. There are different techniques depending on the gear you have. But knowing how to use the gear you have is a necessary step in keeping yourself safe. REI has some good information on how to properly use and hold an ice axe in mountaineering, but taking a class and practicing will always be the best way to learn.