Reading about alpenstocks, essentially a stout pole with an iron spike on the end, I learned that it was used in conjunction with a "small hatchet," employed for cutting steps. Bring along a rock pick or a geologist's hammer with a ski pole and you would have step cutting capability, at least for easy stretches. It might appear a bit less intimidating.

The first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786 was accomplished with alpenstocks....