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Shovels - Snow safety
Snow safety shovels: essential equipment for mountain enthusiasts
When you venture off the beaten track for ski touring or freeriding, it's crucial to be well equipped. Among your avalanche safety essentials, the shovel plays just as important a role as thepurchase of an avalanche transceiver and a probe. The construction, functionality and safety standards of a shovel are decisive criteria when making a purchase. In this article, we'll explore how to choose the best snow shovel for your mountain adventures.
Essential features of a good snow shovel
To guarantee your safety in the mountains, it's imperative to opt for a shovel that meets certain requirements. The bucket is one of the key elements: it can be made of plastic or metal. Although plastic is lighter, it is not as resistant to extreme conditions. For high-mountain use, a metal bucket (aluminum or carbon) is preferable, as it is more effective in hard snow.
A large bucket volume is also recommended; this allows you to transport more snow quickly without making each shovel too heavy. In addition, opt for high edges on the sides of the bucket so that snow doesn't run off while you're digging. A good shovel should also be able to switch easily between "shovel" and "pick" functions, which can make all the difference during a rescue operation.
Choosing an avalanche shovel's handle and grip
Handle and grip are equally important in choosing an effective snow shovel. A telescopic handle offers optimum leverage for fast, efficient shoveling, while being easy to carry in your backpack. A handle with an oval rather than rounded cross-section is also preferable, as it increases rigidity and facilitates adjustment.
Last but not least, some shovels feature a sledge function thanks to the holes on their surface; this can be vital if you need to evacuate an injured person quickly.
How to choose the right size?
The length of the handle should be adapted to your height to optimize leverage when shovelling. An appropriate length will not only make you more efficient, but also less fatigued during the intense effort required in any rescue.
Bear in mind, however, that a long handle can be problematic to transport, which is why many opt for telescopic models that can be easily stored away when not in use. Some models can even be used as a pickaxe on very compact snow.
Buy from the best avalanche shovel brands
With BLACK DIAMOND, MAMMUT, ORTOVOX, PiEPS and CAMP, Alpinstore offers a wide selection of avalanche shovels!
Whether you're looking to buy an avalanche probe or invest in a new safety shovel, make sure you pay close attention to the technical features offered by each model to ensure your safety and that of the people accompanying you on your mountain outings. Find all the avalanche safety equipment you need, from avalanche detector packs to avalanche probe kits.
