Self-Arrest Skills Save Lives on Snow-Covered Slopes

By Traci Macnamara

First, hold the axe in your uphill hand with the pick facing backwards while you walk.

Grasp the axe with your thumb on the inside, under the adze, and wrap your palm and other fingers over the pick near the shaft.

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• Purpose and Starting Position for Self-Arrest
• Grasp Axe With Pick Facing Backwards
• Wrap Fingers Around Pick Near Shaft
• Turn on Your Backside With Feet Downhill
• Roll Towards the Pick of Your Axe
• Plant the Pick Into the Slope
• Pull Your Body Close to the Pick
• Kick Your Toes Into the Slope

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