There’s nothing more thrilling than taking hold of an ice axe, donning a pair of crampons and heading off to explore the ice and snow of the mountains. Below are some good options. As it’s rare to get these conditions in Ireland, it’s good to know that this equipment is also suitable for the Alps and for winter mountaineering in Scotland.

Scarpa’s Mirage GTX GSB boots

Scarpa’s Mirage GTX GSB boots (€240) are ideal for everything from hiking in the Wicklow Mountains to trekking in the Alps or winter mountaineering in the Scottish Highlands.

This is a very versatile pair of boots. With some flex in the soles, they are comfortable enough for regular hill walking but are also stiff enough to offer security if you’re wearing crampons or are tackling trickier terrain.

Although they are compatible with all C3 crampons, they are specifically designed to be worn with Grivel’s GSB system crampons. That’s thanks to the small hole in the front of the boot’s sole which accepts a crampon binding and provides a more secure fit and reduced weight.

With plenty of room in the forefoot, the Mirages are very comfortable for most people – even those with relatively broad feet – and also offer great ankle support.

Scarpa products are available from the Great Outdoors, Dublin 2; 53 Degrees North, Carrickmines and Blanchardstown; and Snow+Rock, Dundrum, or for more stockists, contact www.mountainboot.co.uk.

Petzl Cosmitec Ice Axe

Combining the advantages of a standard ice axe with a technical ice tool, the Petzl Cosmi’tec Ice Axe (€130) has a slightly bent shaft and reverse-curve pick for better penetration in ice. This axe is ideal for slightly technical alpine routes on which a half-day of walking may be followed by a couple short pitches of moderate ice. Weighing in at only 16.5oz, its more lightweight design makes it excellent for ski mountaineering as well. The large adze (hoe-like blade) is excellent for chopping steps and the shaft also has special coating for improved grip. The axe is available in several lengths to fit different sized climbers.

Petzl products are available from Exposure, Castlebar; 53 Degrees North, Carrickmines and Blanchardstown; The Great Outdoors, Dublin 2; Snow+Rock, Dundrum; and River Deep Mountain High, Galway and Limerick.

Ideal for variable, mixed terrain, Petzl’s Sarken Crampons (€155) attach easily using a U-shaped stirrup at the front and a wire heel.

With these 12-point crampons you’ll find it easy to penetrate hard ice and have stable front pointing on mixed terrain. They are ideal for everything from trekking on steep snow hills, glaciers or even attacking a true ice climb in the Alps. The anti-balling plates (to stop snow build up underfoot) are also a welcome feature.

Petzl products are available from Exposure, Castlebar; 53 Degrees North, Carrickmines and Blanchardstown; The Great Outdoors, Dublin 2; Snow+Rock, Dundrum; and River Deep Mountain High, Galway and Limerick.

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