Rule number one of ski mountaineering is don't fall, and the second is, "If you think you're going to fall, refer to rule number one." As it steadily becomes an essential to safe ski-mountaineering, the Black Diamond Whippet Adjustable Ski Pole is just getting better. Black Diamond has not only upgraded its innovative FlickLock technology, but have designed with precision the canard wing addition on the Whippet's durable, stainless steel pick for greater surface area and therefore quicker arresting. While it doesn't replace the conventional security of an ice axe, for keeping steady and as a back-up plan during steep, no-fall ski descents, you need the Black Diamond Whippet Adjustable Ski Pole.