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Avalanche shovels

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    Safety first

    Avalanches are a very real potential hazard in the backcountry, so make sure you’re caught up on avalanche safety protocol before you head into the backcountry for some fun. The first step is packing right — in addition to an avalanche beacon and a probe, each person in your party should also come prepared with an avalanche shovel.

    Carrying an avalanche shovel won’t break your back; they are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around and store in a backpack. In addition, to the versatility, avalanche shovels are also very durable, made to withstand hours of digging through heavy snow and ice without breaking or bending.

    Shovel specifics

    Avalanche shovels feature a wide, and efficient blade that can scoop and move snow at an efficient rate compared to the traditional shovel, not only is the blade perfect for deep digging but the handles are also ergonomic and adjustable to help with your comfort and control.

    When you’re looking for a proper avalanche shovel, you want something with a metal blade that can puncture through hardened layers of snow. Whether your shovel is a T-, L- or D-grip shape depends on personal preference — T- or L- for the best packability, or D- for the most comfortable grip with gloves on. Make sure your shovel fits comfortably in your winter pack, and you’re good to go.

    Know how to use it

    The most important part of avalanche safety is proper training and diligent practice. All this gear is just that — gear. It’s your responsibility to know how to use it to keep yourself and your friends safe.

    Our guide to avalanche safety gear and training is chock full of up-to-date resources on how to access and complete avalanche training courses, so your group can confidently count on each other in the case of an emergency.