Avalanche shovels

Avalanche shovels: essential equipment for mountain safety

Avalanche safety is an absolute priority on off-piste and ski touring trips. The avalanche shovel is part of the basic equipment, alongside the avalanche transceiver and the probe. It is indispensable for quickly freeing a person buried under snow, and can make all the difference in critical situations.

How to choose an avalanche shovel

To choose the right avalanche shovel, it's important to consider a number of criteria:

• Materials: opt for an aluminum shovel, a material that's both light and strong, ideal for withstanding compact snow and rugged terrain.
• Telescopic or fixed handle: Telescopic handles save space in the bag and are more ergonomic when shovelling. Fixed handles, on the other hand, are simpler and can be more resistant.
• 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 clearing snow quickly.

Why is an avalanche shovel important?

The avalanche shovel is an essential rescue tool. In the event of an avalanche, every second counts, and an efficient shovel means you can dig faster to free a buried victim. This equipment is therefore indispensable for all mountain outings, whether for ski touring, freeriding or winter mountaineering.

How to use your shovel in a rescue situation

To use your shovel correctly, it's essential to follow a few good shoveling practices:

1. Precise localization with the avalanche transceiver and probe: Before shoveling, you must have precisely localized the victim with the avalanche transceiver and probe, to avoid unnecessary digging.
2. Digging as a team: If possible, divide tasks between several people to increase speed and efficiency.
3. Staircase method: Digging at an angle, following a slope, removes snow more efficiently and provides quicker access to the victim.

Our avalanche shovel selections

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're a beginner or an expert, our range covers a variety of needs, combining lightness, compactness and efficiency. You'll find robust models, designed with quality materials, to ensure your safety in the mountains.

Equipping yourself means protecting yourself

Every outing in the mountains involves risks, and having the right safety equipment is a further guarantee that you'll be able to enjoy the experience with complete peace of mind. Take a look at our selection of avalanche shovels and other essential off-piste safety equipment.