HOW TO CHOOSE AN AVALANCHE SHOVEL

An avalanche shovel is an essential part of your backcountry safety kit list, necessary for digging victims out during avalanche rescue.

A durable shovel and correct shovelling technique can dramatically reduce rescue time and can also be used for checking snow stability. During an avalanche, the once-fluffy powder, packs together quickly making digging into it harder as it becomes more like shovelling concrete than snow. As a result, a proper avalanche shovel along with methods such as a chopping and dragging are better, more efficient avalanche rescue techniques, than standard shovelling.

Material

Although plastic shovels are available, metal has the best strength-to-weight ratio making more efficient and successful for snow removal. Aluminium is often used.

Blade Size and Shapes

Avalanche shovel blades are available in different shapes and sizes depending on the user and their needs. Smaller blades are easier to manoeuvre but less efficient at chopping the snow, and the moving it. Larger blades require more strength to operate, leaving you tired more quickly. Many shovels are also made to function like a hoe, allowing a good amount of chop and drag, as well as transforming into a traditional shovel. The blade can be flat or curved; a flat blade will help you create a smooth snow pit walls.

Handle and Grips

Look for slip-proof grips for easy handling and your shovel should always easily fit in your backpack. Many shovels have telescoping handles for leverage and manoeuvrability in small spaces.

It’s vital your shovel fits well in your hands. T-shaped and I-shaped grips tend to be lighter and more compact, while d-shaped grips can be easily to use with mittens and gloves.

Weight

While a lightweight shovel is a more attractive prospect, it’s important your shovel is durable and dependable.

SHOP AVALANCHE SHOVELS

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How To Choose Your Avalanche Safety Equipment

Your transceiver leads to the probe, your probe leads to the shovel, your shovel leads to your friend. These three items are the most vital part of any backcountry skiers’ equipment; you should never step into the backcountry without them. With so many options on the market, finding the right avalanche safety set up can be difficult. To help clear the confusion and aid you in the decision, we have assembled a guide to walk you through everything you will need to know when purchasing avalanche safety equipment that could save your life.

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How To Choose An Avalanche Probe?

In the event of an avalanche, a probe will help you not only pinpoint the exact location of the victim but measure the burial depth too, reducing potential life-saving rescue time. In conjunction with an avalanche transceiver and shovel, the probe is an essential piece of safety kit.

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Backcountry Essentials

The idea of escaping into the wilderness, away from the crowds to enjoy untouched powder is becoming increasingly popular. People are branching out further and further off piste to find the hidden, untouched treasures of the mountains, but where do you start when beginning you first backcountry adventure?

How to choose an avalanche shovel

HOW TO CHOOSE AN AVALANCHE SHOVEL

Material

Blade Size and Shapes

Handle and Grips

Weight

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