| What it is | Controlled sliding down snow |
| Methods | Standing or seated, axe for control |
| Never | With crampons on |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
From the French glisser, 'to slide'.
Glissading is descending a snow slope quickly and deliberately by sliding — on your feet (standing glissade) or seated — using an ice axe to control speed and stop. It is a fast, fun way down, but glissading with crampons on is dangerous, and runout hazards must be checked first.
The word is French, from glisser, ‘to slide’.
How to do it
Control speed with the ice axe and be ready to self-arrest; first confirm a safe runout with no cliffs, rocks, or crevasses below.
The cardinal rule
Never glissade with crampons on — a caught point can break a leg. Educational only; not a substitute for instruction.
Frequently asked questions
What is glissading?
Glissading is sliding down a snow slope on purpose and under control, either standing (like skiing without skis) or sitting, while using an ice axe to regulate speed and to stop. It's a quick, efficient — and enjoyable — way to descend suitable snow slopes.
Is glissading safe?
It can be, with the right conditions and technique, but it causes injuries every year. You must check that the slope has a safe runout (no cliffs, rocks, or crevasses below), keep your speed controlled with the ice axe, and be ready to self-arrest. Icy or overly steep slopes are not safe to glissade.
Can you glissade with crampons on?
No — never glissade wearing crampons. If a crampon point catches in the snow while you're sliding, it can stop your foot instantly while your body keeps going, causing severe ankle and leg fractures. Always remove crampons before glissading.
Sources
- Snow travel skills — The Mountaineers