Tom,

That may be the current concept, but mountaineers have been using alpenstocks and ice axes as walking sticks since long before winter climbing was considered an activity. The most common use in glacier travel is very similar to walking in the winter. Although I commonly use a walking staff (mine is much like an old alpenstock) I have used my glacier ice axe many times in the winter for such uses. I have also used it on snowshoes with a snow basket. For these uses, the training required is a few minutes of practice to avoid poking yourself with it and a good pick guard. If you get into climbing without proper training you could get into trouble, but that is a problem with many tools.

Respectfully,

Jerry