Avalanche shovels

Avalanche shovels: Essential equipment for mountain safety

When skiing off-piste or ski touring, avalanche safety is a top priority. An avalanche shovel is part of the basic equipment, along with an avalanche transceiver and probe. It is essential for quickly digging out a person buried under the snow and can make all the difference in critical situations.

How to choose an avalanche shovel?

To choose the right avalanche shovel, it is important to consider several criteria:

• Materials: Opt for an aluminum shovel, a material that is both lightweight and strong, ideal for withstanding compact snow and rough terrain.
• Telescopic or fixed handle: Telescopic handles save space in your airbag backpack and offer better ergonomics when shoveling. Fixed handles, on the other hand, are simpler and can be more durable.
• Weight and compactness: Choose a lightweight, compact shovel so as not to weigh down your equipment while ensuring maximum efficiency when needed.
• Ergonomics: A non-slip T- or D-shaped handle can provide a more comfortable and effective grip for quickly clearing snow.

Why is it important to have an avalanche shovel?

An avalanche shovel is an essential rescue tool. In the event of an avalanche, every second counts, and an effective shovel allows you to dig faster to free a buried victim. This equipment is therefore essential for any mountain outing, whether for ski touring, freeriding, or winter mountaineering.

Using your shovel correctly in an emergency

To use the shovel correctly, it is essential to follow a few best practices for shoveling:

1. Precise location with the avalanche transceiver and probe: Before shoveling, you must have precisely located the victim with the avalanche transceiver and probe to avoid digging unnecessarily.
2. Dig as a team: If possible, divide the tasks among several people to increase speed and efficiency.
3. Staircase method: Digging diagonally, following a slope, allows you to remove snow more efficiently and reach the victim more quickly.

Our selection of avalanche shovels

We offer a wide selection of avalanche shovels from leading brands, all designed to meet the demands of the most extreme mountain conditions. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, our range covers a variety of needs, combining lightness, compactness, and efficiency. Find robust models, designed with quality materials, to ensure your safety in the mountains.

Being equipped means being protected

Every mountain outing involves risks, and being well equipped with safety gear is an added guarantee that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest with complete peace of mind. Feel free to browse our selection of avalanche shovels and find out about other essential off-piste safety equipment.