Snow shovel

Do we need a snow shovel when we go out on the mountain to enjoy mountain or cross-country skiing? The answer is yes.

Beside Arva (Device Rescue Device) and snow probes, this material is an essential safety element that can not be missed in the backpack when off-the-ski skiing is practiced.

Several studies confirm that 93% of people who are victims of avalanche or avalanche remain alive for the first 15 minutes. As of that moment the percentage is reduced considerably; and it is that, after 45 minutes since the slip, only 25% of the victims are still alive.

To unearth victims for avalanches or avalanches, time is golden. Life and death are separated by minutes. Even for seconds. Hence the extreme need to take the victim or victims before it is too late.

Arva, snow blade and snow probe are popularly known as the sacred trinity in terms of security. And, explaining both his presence in the backpack and with the knowledge necessary to use them, is essential to rescue victims with lives in avalanches or avalanches while practicing cross-country skiing or mountain skiing.

How to use a snow blade?

First of all, from Vertic we want to give you a tip. As far as possible, try to use it only and exclusively for the rescue of victims.

Sometimes, this safety material is used to lift igloos or jumps. If you need to use it in a similar task to the mentioned ones, make sure that there is no presence of ice to break in any side. And, since its most commonly used fabrication material is aluminum, it can bend or even break.


Once the victim - or the victims - is found with the Arva and the snow probe, it is necessary to proceed to their exile as soon as possible. For this, this element of skiing of crossing or mountain skiing.

Characteristics of the snow blade

Nowadays, the market offers two different types depending on the material of manufacture: plastic or aluminum. The plastic ones are lightweight and resistant, but not as much as those of aluminum. The plastic ones are more fragile.

Inside the grips there are two main types: those that have a D shape and those that are T-shaped. T-shaped grips are lighter; However, D-shaped ones allow you to enter your hand and, as a result, make more force at the time of blasting.

Some models incorporate extensible or telescopic handles. This is something that at the time of blasting helps a lot, as you can graduate to your measure by increasing comfort in a task that must be done in the least possible time as there are lives at stake .

Technological advances have allowed some models to mount toothed or sharp blades. This brings resistance, so they work better with neon hard on other models existing on the market. In addition, in some models the direction of the blade can be modified to dig.

Certain snow shovels have the possibility of transforming themselves into an ax with the addition of some pieces of aluminum, with their purchase, such as the tip and regatón. They are not piolets for regular use, but for sporadic moments in which we can only pull out of this tool.

In case of emergency, some leaves incorporate holes that fit with those of the skis. In this way, it can become a sleigh to drag potential victims in case of avalanche or avalanche.

From Vertic we recommend the purchase of snow blades that are riveted. They must be welded, since they are much more resistant.

In addition, they must be detachable and very compact so that they fit in the backpack without any problem.