Petzl Snowscopic Replacement

I’ve used both and prefer the Black Diamond Whippet. In situations where I need a hybrid ice axe/trekking pole tool like this (hiking or backcountry skiing), I’m usually not in a place where a full-strength axe is critical to my safety.

There is also the Stubai Tour Lite Telescoping Ice Axe.

It’s only an aluminium axe head, so it’s not a full technical climbing axe or anything. But for walking and basic safety/slide arrest it works great.

More generally, it does seem like a really useful piece of gear, and not massively difficult to add a telescopic extension onto the handle. It’s a wonder more companies don’t make something similar.

Kev