Piolet is a French word that refers to a type of ice axe used in mountaineering or climbing. It's a tool that helps climbers maintain their balance, and it is mainly used for ice climbing or traversing across glaciers. Some common synonyms for piolet include ice axe, climbing axe, glacier axe and mountaineering axe. These terms are often used interchangeably, but the essence of each one is still closely tied to the piolet. The right axe must be chosen by the climber according to the type and difficulty of the climb they intend to undertake. This ensures safety, and a successful climbing experience.