Avalanche Shovel

Other wise known as: Shovel, Snow Shovel

    An avalanche shovel is a lightweight shovel that breaks down and is designed to be carried with you in the backcountry. They are a necessity for any snowboarder, on area, out of bounds or even in your car.

    Typically the handle and shaft clips together with the large flat blade piece. In some models the handle will include a single telescoping section that will nearly double the length of the shaft.

    Avalanche shovels are usually made out of a lightweight metal (like aluminum) or a high density plastic. A good shovel should be able to chop through ice or carry very heavy snow. Either way since they are lightweight they can break or bend. So every once in a while check to make sure its not about to break on you the next time you use it (that sucks when you are digging your snow cave four hours from your car.)
The straight shaft of the shovel can also be used for a splint in first aid situations and the flat blade piece can also be used as a sled if need be.

    In the backcountry an avalanche shovel is used to dig a snow pit to check avalanche conditions, build a kicker or, in the worst-case scenario, dig out a buried friend.

    Because they breakdown, they are easy to carry in a backpack and therefore are great to carry with you to build a kicker pretty much anywhere. They get left in your car for anytime you spot the perfect rail that needs to be sessioned or you find that section of black ice and your car ends up in the ditch and need to dig your way out.

    A shovel should cost between $35 and $70 but don’t skimp on a shovel, it could be necessary to save your buddies life. They also make great Christmas presents, that is how I got my last two. Thanks Santa.

Did we miss something? Do you have any suggestions for others?