Avalanche shovels

Avalanche shovels are an essential component of an avalanche safety kit, used for digging out a person buried in snow during an avalanche. Here's a detailed description of avalanche shovels:

• Compact design: Avalanche shovels are designed to be compact and lightweight for easy portability in a backpack. They usually consist of a collapsible or telescoping shaft and a removable blade.
• Material: Shovel blades are commonly made of aluminium or other lightweight and durable materials. Aluminium is preferred for its strength-to-weight ratio.
• Blade design: Shovel blades have a flat, concave design to efficiently move and throw snow. Some blades may also feature serrated edges or reinforced construction for cutting through dense or icy snow.
• Handle grip: The handle of the shovel typically has an ergonomic grip to provide comfort and control during use. The grip is designed to be usable even with gloved hands.

Avalanche shovels are an indispensable part of the three essential tools for avalanche rescue – beacon, probe, and shovel. It's crucial for individuals heading into avalanche terrain to practice using their shovel, be familiar with its features, and understand proper digging techniques for effective and efficient rescue efforts.