Originally used by shepherds in the Alps, the alpenstock was adopted by 18th- and 19th-century explorers like Edward Whymper and Jacques Balmat.
: Climbers would often carve the names of their successful ascents into the wood. Over time, Victorian alpinists added blades (picks and adzes) to the top of these staffs to help cut steps into ice, eventually evolving the tool into the ice axe . Contemporary Uses alpenstock
: It acted as a "third leg," providing balance on steep snow, crossing glaciers, or anchoring a climber. Originally used by shepherds in the Alps, the