Blue Ice Hummingbird
Titanium Ski Touring Ice Axe
Sophic Design partnered with Blue Ice to develop one of the strongest and lightest competition ice axes in the outdoor industry
Redefining Ice Climbing Performance
In technical mountaineering, high-alpine skiing, and competitive ski mountaineering your ability to compete depends on the weight and performance of your equipment and your life depends on its strength. The Hummingbird ice axe is an ideal solution to these competing values offering users one of the lightest and strongest axes available.
Its titanium head is as light as aluminum but as solid as steel. Available in two lengths, the Hummingbird is ISMF-approved for ski mountaineering competitions and its unique design makes it one of the lightest and most efficient ice axes on the market.
Inspired By Ice
The open architecture of the axe head helps minimize material and overall weight using an internal structure inspired by the shape of ice crystals. This structure improves rigidity and performance while providing the axe with a distinct and iconic aesthetic.
Touchpoints & Detailing
Because of the immense trust that climbers place in their equipment every touchpoint and detail of the Blue Ice Hummingbird was carefully considered throughout the design process. From the varying textures and finishes of its curved handle to its integrated spike with carabiner clip-in details and the unique and beautiful surfacing of its pommel, the Hummingbird is crafted for optimal performance and connection between climber, tool, and terrain.
Innovation Opportunities
Throughout the development process Sophic Design collaborated with Blue Ice and their incredible engineering team to solve technical problems and meet strategic business needs across their growing ice axe product line.
Technical Constraints of Titanium
During the design process Titanium was identified as the most premium material available for the axe head because of its uniquely strong and lightweight performance properties. However, because titanium’s thermal conductivity is significantly lower than that of steel and other metals it is extremely difficult to shape and machine following the forging process.
To overcome these challenges together Sophic Design and Blue Ice identified thermally-enhanced machining methods to execute the recessing and edge-treatment details that contribute to the Hummingbird’s iconic design. We then sought out manufacturing partners with specialized resources and capabilities around shaping and finishing Titanium parts.
Product Line Flexibility
By focusing on a design of interchangeable parts in the assembly process Sophic Design was able to build flexibility into a broader product line strategy for the ice axe category. By swapping differing styles of handles, adzes, picks, and spikes Blue Ice was able to create meaningful SKU proliferation at variable price points to satisfy demand from multiple consumer groups.
Lighten Up
The final result is a remarkable fusion of beauty, performance, and strength all rolled into a single product that connects alpine skiers and climbers with their passion for the outdoors and gives them confidence to push their sport to the limit.