Avalanche shovels

An avalanche shovel is one of the most important pieces of your avalanche safety equipment. In an avalanche , digging is the most time-consuming part – and a good shovel can be crucial to getting a buried person out in time. That’s why avalanche shovels are designed to be strong, light and effective , even in the hard, compacted snow that often forms in an avalanche.

With us you will find a carefully selected range of avalanche shovels for top touring, off-piste and mountaineering – from ultra-light models for gram hunters to robust variants for guides and advanced users.

Why is an avalanche shovel so important?

Once the avalanche has settled, the snow is often significantly harder than normal winter snow . Digging with the wrong tools is both slow and risks delaying the rescue.

A good avalanche shovel will help you to:

✔ dig faster
✔ break through hard packed snow
✔ save energy
✔ work effectively together in a group
✔ increase the chances of a successful rescue

This makes the shovel a vital tool – not a packing detail to compromise on.

Characteristics of a good avalanche shovel

🔹 Metal blade

Plastic is not strong enough.
Aluminum and hardened metal alloys provide:

• high strength

• low weight

• reliability in cold weather

🔹 Telescopic handle

Provides better leverage and more power in every move.

🔹 Ergonomic grip (T- or D-handle)

The choice is a matter of personal preference:

• T-handle: lighter and compact

• D-handle: more power and comfort with gloves

🔹 Compact & easy to pack

The shovel should fit in the backpack without compromising space for avalanche transceivers, probes and additional equipment.

🔹 Aggressive blade edges

Makes it easier when the snow is extremely hard.

Who needs an avalanche shovel?

Anyone moving in potential avalanche terrain needs a shovel + probe + avalanche transceiver .
It includes:

✔ top tourer
✔ off-piste skiers
✔ mountain skier
✔ avalanche courses & training
✔ guides and instructors

Even short trips near lift areas require full safety equipment if you leave marked trails.

Ultralight vs. robust – which shovel should you choose?

🔹 Ultralight shovels

For those who prioritize weight, e.g. on long mountain tours.

• very light

• easy to pack
  – slightly less power in hard snow

🔹 Robust shovels

For those who ride technical terrain or want maximum power.

• most durable option

• most effective when digging in groups
  – slightly higher weight

We are happy to help you choose the right model based on your tours and experience.