Ice Axe Market

Ice Axe Market Outlook (2022-2032)

In recent years, there have been more people looking for adventure, which has resulted in increased demand for ice axes. It is made to be used during mountaineering and hiking, offering stability and safety while ascending and descending steep hills. The ice axe can be used for a number of things, including digging and probing, as well as a handhold, foothold, and brake during a fall on a gradual slope.

The need for various climbing tools is changing as adventure and alpine tourism become more and more popular, which is probably helping this industry grow. Additionally, the market for multipurpose piolet is predicted to generate significant revenue thanks to the increasing adoption of these tools among mountaineering groups and other alpine associations.

Ice climbing and skiing are becoming highly popular outdoor activities among consumers, which is why the demand for high-quality ice climbing equipment such as piolet is increasing rapidly. As mountaineering is a recreational activity, not all consumers need highly technical and advanced ice axes. Considering the dynamic needs of consumers, leading manufacturers in the market are producing various types of piolet to address the exact requirements of consumers.

With the growing popularity of ice climbing and mountaineering, especially among the younger population, the market is likely to expand robustly in the coming years. High spending capabilities of the population in emerging economies due to increasing disposable income have influenced the adoption of various adventure activities including ice climbing, thereby fuelling the growth of the market.

What propels the demand for Ice Axe?

Growing awareness of various standards, regulations, and laws associated with the manufacturing processes of the piolet is boosting demand for certified ice axes in the market. Complying with international standards can help market players in the market to improve the integrity of their products and enhance their global sales.

Apart from ice climbing and mountaineering, adventure tourism and alpine tourism sectors are gaining traction all around the world. As stated by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the adventure tourism industry reached over US$ 89 billion in 2013. It witnessed unprecedented growth in the next two years to reach up to US$ 263 billion.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) states that over 120 million tourists indulge in alpine tourism by visiting the Alps each year. The increasing popularity of ice climbing and skiing has led to the development of around 300 ski facilities in over 3,400 km² of ski areas in the Alps. The remarkable growth of the adventure tourism industry and the alpine tourism industry is mainly attributed to the rising popularity of ice climbing and skiing, which is boosting the growth of the market.

What are the challenges faced by the manufacturers in the industry?

There are numerous regulations that manufacturers in the global market will have to keep in mind while producing. They are required to keep in mind the manufacturing and design standards of the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA). Apart from that, they are also needed to follow guidelines developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). In addition, manufacturers must also procure a CE Safety Certification for selling those in Europe and elsewhere.

Opportunities in the market for Manufacturers?

International authoritarian organizations have created some regulations this market must go by because they recognize the significance of ice axes in the world of ice climbing. To get access to inter- piolet markets in important regions, all market participants in the industry must ensure that their ice axes are certified with the relevant safety standards. Consumers may have a better understanding of the product's quality, and producers may see an increase in sales as a result.

Manufacturers must follow the manufacturing and design standards developed by the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA). Apart from UIAA standards, manufacturers in the market must comply with the guidelines developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Furthermore, manufacturers must get a CE Safety Certification in order to get approval for distributing ice axes in European and most leading markets for ice axes. Typically, getting certified with two safety standards viz., standard EN-13089 and UIAA-152 is mandatory for manufacturers in the market.

Growing awareness of various standards, regulations, and laws associated with the manufacturing processes of the ice axe is boosting demand for certified ice axes in the market. Complying with international standards can help market players in the ice axe market to improve the integrity of their products and enhance their global sales.

Competitive Landscape

The major demand for these products is derived from mountaineering and winter hiking activities. There is an alarming rise in climbing and hiking activities which determines the scope for these products in the forecast period. Manufacturers are focused on designing tools that not only meet standard guidelines but also have essential assistance features which may create new growth opportunities for the market.

“Manufacturers are capturing demands of consumers”

Ice climbing and skiing are becoming highly popular outdoor activities among consumers, which is why the demand for high-quality ice climbing equipment such as ice axes is increasing rapidly. As mountaineering is a recreational activity, not all consumers need highly technical and advanced piolets. Considering the dynamic needs of consumers, leading manufacturers in the market are producing various types of piolet to address the exact requirements of consumers.

The basic tools are demanded hiking while the technical tools are suited for steeper and vertical climbing. The worldwide market for the products is centered around manufacturers and distributors. There are lower barriers for new entrants as less capital is required for setting up the business. Manufacturers are focused on the availability of a wide variety across all cost range. The companies also focused on the innovation of products.

The top producers, Grivel and Blue Diamond Equipment make outstanding walking piolet that are a great choice for wintertime recreational mountaineering. Alpine and technical ice axes are made specifically for technical ice climbing, hence their designs are different from those of regular walking axes. A lightweight technical piolet from Ice Rock, a market leader in the production of ice axes, offers both functionality and durability. The company replaces the aluminum piolet shafts with carbon fiber, which significantly reduces the weight of the axe while maintaining its quality and performance.

Segmentation

• Based on the type

  • Rubber Handle
  • Full Carbon Handle
  • Others

• Based on Application

  • Outdoor sports company
  • Outdoor Climbing
  • Others

• Based on the region

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa