Ice axe 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard made the first ascent of Mont Blanc. Balmat, a chamois hunter and crystal collector, had experience with high mountain travel, and Paccard had made previous attempts to climb the peak. Illustrations show Balmat carrying two separate tools that would later be merged into the ice axe – an alpenstock (or baton) and a small axe that could be used to chop steps on icy slopes. According to the earliest manufacturer of ice axes, Grivel, these two tools were merged to create the first true ice axe around 1840. Early ice axes had a vertical
Deaf climbers Deaf climbers Deaf climbers use alternative ways such as commands, hand tactics, and sometimes an Interpreter or hearing aid to assist them with their climb. They are capable of all types of climbing including bouldering, which consists of no ropes and usually a crash pad. Top roping, which uses a pre set anchor at the summit of your climb as well as a belayer who helps manage your climbing rope and your security during your climb. Also lead climbing, which is when the rope is attached to the climber, which the climber then clips onto either pre placed bolt anchors