Here at the Adventure Junkies, we want to keep you safe on the slopes so you can get the most out of your day. While skiing and snowboarding are great ways to get some fresh air and adrenaline, these are extreme sports and should only be tackled by those who understand the risks. Read on for tips on how to prevent some of the most common skiing and snowboarding injuries.

TIPS TO AVOID SNOW SPORTS INJURIES

DEVELOP GOOD HABITS

There are many ways to protect yourself from injury out on the slopes. An easy one is to wear a helmet, which drastically reduces your chance of a head injury. Wrist and elbow guards, knee pads, ankle and knee braces can also help protect these body parts especially in terrain parks.

It is equally important to keep the rest of your equipment in good condition. Skis and snowboards should be well-maintained and properly waxed with sharp edges. Boots, helmet and ski bindings should be correctly fitted and checked as suitable for the terrain. Be informed about how to use your equipment appropriately to reduce risk.

Take care of yourself. Stay hydrated and well-fed and wear weather-appropriate clothing, whether that means sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days or waterproof layers and goggles for cold days. Skiers and snowboarders can be at risk of sunburns, heat stroke, dehydration, hypothermia, frostbite and sometimes even altitude sickness. Take breaks every few hours and keep in mind that most injuries occur after lunch or near the end of the day, when fatigue affects your form and your decision-making.

If you are just starting to ski or snowboard, it’s a great idea to start out with lessons. Instructors can teach you safe skiing techniques and gradually move you onto more difficult terrain when appropriate. Additionally, with lessons you will learn good habits that will benefit you for the rest of your skiing or snowboarding career.

Be aware of skiing etiquette and responsibility, such as outlined in the Alpine Responsibility Code. Stay in control and be able to stop if needed, and exercise extra caution in terrain parks, glades, deep powder and the backcountry. Substance abuse, including alcohol, can impair your judgment and cause accidents.

GET FIT

Like all extreme sports, skiing and snowboarding require a high level of fitness. You can put yourself in a better position if you keep up your strength and stamina during the offseason. Some good ways to increase your cardio are cycling, swimming, stair training or running.

Strengthen the muscles you use most in skiing and snowboarding such as your quads, glutes, hip muscles, back, neck and core. Maintain your flexibility with regular stretches of all these muscles.

In the morning, stretch your major muscle areas and warm up however works best for you. It may be with a five-minute walk or light jog in the parking lot. Take it easy in the first few runs.

By the end of the day, you should cool down by doing a few easy runs or walking around for 10 minutes. Drink lots of water and stretch while they are still warm to reduce stiff muscles through lactic acid buildup.

LEARN HOW TO FALL

It’s pretty much a sure bet that everyone will fall at some point. If you feel yourself spinning out of control, sometimes it’s smarter to fall on purpose before you get yourself into even bigger trouble.

We tend to fling our arms out to break a fall, but the best you can actually do is to try to roll with the fall and minimize the impact on your body.

COMMON SKI AND SNOWBOARDING INJURIES

Know the risks. Extreme sports are notorious for causing broken bones all over the body. However, skiers are especially prone to knee and thumb injuries. Meanwhile, snowboarders are more vulnerable to ankle and upper-body injuries in the wrist, elbow and shoulder.

Everybody can get a head injury if they’re not wearing a helmet. Below are some of the typical injuries and how to avoid them.

HEAD

Head injuries are both the scariest and easiest to prevent. Snowboarders are more likely to suffer injuries to the head because of their stance on the board and the fixed bindings.

It’s important to consider that even if you believe you are skilled enough not to fall on your head, it’s always possible that someone else can collide with you on the slope. A head injury can take the form of anything from a bruise to a concussion and even death. The best way to protect your head is to wear a helmet.

WRIST, ELBOW AND SHOULDER

Upper-body injuries happen especially often to snowboarders. Their feet are fixed to their bindings, meaning any contortion in a fall will mostly take their toll on the upper body.

Beginners in particular often try to break a fall by flinging their arms out. The harsh landing can reverberate through the arm and cause a sprained or fractured wrist, a bruised or dislocated elbow and a host of shoulder injuries.

Wrist injuries are one of the most typical snowboarding injuries, but they can happen to skiers as well. A harsh landing after a fall can also cause a pulled shoulder ligament, a dislocated shoulder, a cartilage tear, a fracture, a shoulder separation, a rotator cuff injury or sometimes even a broken collarbone.

Wrist and elbow injuries can be avoided by wearing wrist and elbow guards or snowboard gloves with built-in wrist braces. When doing a big jump on your snowboard, try to keep your arms close to your body instead of flailing them around.

THUMB

A common skiing injury is skier’s thumb, which refers to a sprained or torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Skier’s thumb accounts for about one out of 10 skiing injuries and is caused by landing on an outstretched hand while holding ski poles, forcing the thumb to bend sharply backward.

The risk of skier’s thumb can be greatly minimized by holding your poles properly. If you have straps, put your hand through a strap and let the pole dangle loosely from your wrist.

Then, grasp the ski pole with your thumb over, not through, the strap. This way, the pole will come off your hand more easily instead of trapping your thumb when you fall.

Some people prefer to ski with poles that have finger-groove grips instead of straps or a closed grip. Others swear by Leki trigger straps, which have a safety release allowing the straps to come out in case of impact, kind of like your ski boot bindings. Whatever system you use, it’s also good practice to try to let go of your poles if you can when you’re falling.

ANKLE

With their soft boots, snowboarders are vulnerable to sprained ankles and fractures to the talus bone, the latter often referred to as “snowboarder’s ankle.” Snowboarders with softer boots and snowboarders who do lots of tricks and jumps are more likely to get snowboarder’s ankle.

Snowboarder’s ankle can be difficult to spot on x-ray scans, so it’s important to be suspicious if your sprained ankle hurts for longer than a week, as it might indicate your ankle is actually fractured. The condition can lead to long-term damage so it’s crucial that you treat it properly.

It’s a trade-off when deciding whether to protect your knee or your ankle. If you go for harder boots, your ankles will sit more securely, but your knees will be more likely to incur injuries from twisting. Other ways to prevent ankle injuries include improving your balance and proprioception with a wobble board, or wearing an ankle brace, sports insoles or ankle tape while you ride.

KNEE

Knee injuries are very common in skiing. Ski boots lately have focused on protecting the ankle and shin, which increases the risk that the impact from a fall will transfer to the knee. When bindings don’t release in a fall, the top of the leg can bend while the bottom remains immobile.

This twists the knee and can cause a sprained knee or the infamous torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament). Injuries are also possible to the medial meniscus.

While snowboarders less frequently experience knee injuries, these can still arise when getting on or off the chairlift, since only one foot is strapped into the board. Snowboarders with hard boots benefit from protected ankles, but they have a higher chance of twisting their knees.

To reduce your chance of suffering a knee injury, always make sure your ski bindings are properly adjusted according to your skill level. Expert skiers need tighter bindings to cope with their more aggressive skiing style, but beginner to intermediate skiers will benefit more from bindings that release upon impact.

If possible, try to fall to the side instead of backwards or forwards. This is less traumatic for your knees. Be cautious when making sharp turns. Strengthening your quad muscles (e.g. with wall sits, stair training, lunges or squats) and wearing a knee brace can also help defend against knee injuries.

SPINE

While not as common as some other skiing and snowboarding injuries, damage to the spine can cause paralysis or death, so it’s definitely worth avoiding. Spine injuries in skiing and snowboarding can occur as a result of jamming your spine, or having your neck suddenly bent too far backwards or forwards.

This happens in collisions with objects or other skiers and snowboarders, when you land hard on your backside or when you land badly off a jump. Attempting jumps or tricks that are beyond you or going super fast are both good ways to incur a spine injury, so always stay within your skill level and keep a safe speed.

A less serious injury is a bruised tailbone, a common complaint in snowboarding because of the way snowboarders naturally fall with both feet strapped in. Beginner snowboarders or people who want to attempt a lot of tricks can wear padding to protect their tailbones.

WHIPLASH

Whiplash occurs often in snowboarding falls. Strengthening your core and your neck muscles and stretching before a day on the hill are two of the best ways to minimize whiplash. It’s important to follow up on whiplash if it lasts longer than a few days, as it can cause chronic problems down the line.

BE SMART

Skiing and snowboarding are extreme sports practiced in the great outdoors. We can’t always anticipate what Mother Nature is going to throw at us. Know how to evaluate the terrain and conditions before setting out. Remember to always do an easy warm-up run to assess the snow.

Beware of variable conditions such as poor visibility or flat light, intermittent weather or poor snow quality. Ride with a partner and stick to runs suited to your ability level.

If you do experience an injury while skiing or snowboarding, be sure to follow up on it. Many injuries can be treated by a qualified healthcare practitioner, but it’s up to you to get it checked out before it develops into something more chronic.

The post How To Prevent Ski and Snowboarding Injuries appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Any ski trip has an element of risk. After all, gliding downhill at high rates of speed is definitely flirting with danger. But if you prepare to have a safe trip and make safe decisions on the slopes, you should come home exhilarated from your vacation rather than injured and miserable.

PREPARE IN ADVANCE FOR A SAFE SKI VACATION

GET IN SHAPE

Get in shape for your ski vacation. That way, you’ll enjoy it more. Being in shape for skiing allows you to ski longer instead of cutting slope time short to go soak sore muscles in the hot tub. You can also string together multiple days on the slopes without needing to take a day off to recover.

The best way to get in shape is to do a combination of aerobic and strengthening exercises. Check with your local gym to see if a ski conditioning class is offered. Ski conditioning classes usually target specific exercises to make the transition to the slope more successful.

BUY A HELMET

Head trauma is one of the worst injuries that a skier or snowboarder can incur. Head injuries usually occur from falls, when the head or neck slams into the snow, a person or an object like a tree. Helmets can reduce the severity of an injury to the head.

According to the National Ski Areas Association, studies have shown that helmets can reduce head injuries by 30 to 50 percent. Helmets can also convert what might be a major head injury with severe repercussions to a minor headache.

The Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. tests helmets for safety. Although there are many different safety standards for helmets, Snell-certified helmets meet the highest standards in the world.

When shopping for ski or snowboard helmets meeting the highest safety standards, look for the Snell certification on the packaging.

You don’t need to travel with a helmet or even purchase your own. Many ski resorts rent helmets. Check ahead to be sure rental helmets are available.

GET SUN PROTECTION

The sun and snow can make you feel like you’re in a frying pan. Not only are skiers exposed to UV radiation, but the sun’s rays gain intensity by reflecting off snow surfaces. Before leaving home, you’ll need to stock up on sunscreen. Lack of skin protection can contribute to faster skin aging and cancers.

For maximum protection, cover your entire body with clothing or sunscreen. The sunscreen should be at least SPF 30. In addition, the National Ski Areas Association in the U.S. recommends sunscreens which are broad spectrum and contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

You’ll need to reapply sunscreen every couple hours on the slopes. To be able to do that, buy a small refillable bottle to keep in the pocket of your ski jacket. You’ll also want sunscreen lip protection handy.

Lack of eye protection can let sun radiation damage the eyes. Severe cases result in snow blindness. Before leaving home, check your goggles and sunglasses for UV protection. They should be rated at 100 percent UV.

STUDY THE TRAIL MAP

Before visiting a new ski area on vacation, study the trail map. Analyze it. Make a mental note of chairlifts or runs to avoid those that may be beyond your skill level. Also, make a plan of attack for where to start your explorations. It’s always safer to start on easier slopes and work up to more difficult terrain.

Remember, trail symbols are ski area specific. Although trail symbols are common across all resorts in North America, they vary at each resort. For example, green circles denoting easier runs may be steeper in the Rocky Mountains than at ski areas in the Midwest.

In fact, at some more challenging resorts, green runs may be comparable to the more difficult blue squares at smaller resorts. Launching on easier runs will help you gauge the caliber of the mountain.

SAFETY ON THE SLOPES

SKI WITHIN YOUR ABILITY

A surefire way to wreck your vacation is to ski out of control or go on runs far above your ability. We all love challenges. But on ski slopes, be sure you have the prerequisite skills to tackle the next level before diving down the slope.

Skiing under control can still be fun. It also offers the guarantee of lesser chances of muscle, ligament and bone injuries.

Knowing when to quit skiing is equally important. Be in tune with your body and energy level. Be sensitive to exhaustion that can lead to injury as well. Call it a day before fatigue sets in.

DON’T FOLLOW OTHERS INTO UNKNOWN AREAS

It’s always fun to find secret stashes of powder. Be wary of following in the tracks of locals into unknown zones. The tracks could go through terrain the locals know well, but might hold hazards for you: cliff bands, creek gullies, tree wells, or tight chutes. The zone may also have a necessary exit point to avoid dropping into a terrain trap.

If you want to explore unknown extreme terrain, be sure you have the skills. If you are unsure of what the area contains, consult with ski patrol. In many resorts, you can hire a guide to lead you in and out of the terrain.

CHOOSE SAFE PLACES TO STOP

Clogging the center of a trail, run or junction invites collisions. So does standing in the lift unload zone. To be safe when stopping, choose places that will avoid setting up an accident.

When stopping, avoid halting in the middle of runs, trails or junctions. Always pull off to the side.

On narrow cat tracks, ski in control enough that you can wait until the trail widens to steer aside. This is especially important when a group of people ski together. Four people in a bunch can cut off access in the middle of a narrow run.

BE AWARE OF OTHER SKIERS AROUND YOU

When skiing, we focus so much on ourselves: our turns, how we’ll navigate the route and what’s in front of us. We rarely pay attention to what else is around or behind us. You can increase your safety on a slope by paying attention to skiers and snowboarders around you. Be alert.

Learn to read those skiing in front of you. Look for a particular rhythm and range to their turns that can help you identify how to ski around them. But, remember to still steer wide around them in case they alter their course.

Get the in the habit of looking uphill. When you stop to rest, look uphill to see what may be coming your direction and stand in a place out of the way.

Likewise, before launching into more turns, look uphill to gauge when you can merge in a safe way. When approaching intersections of runs and blind spots, ease up on the speed to be able to assess oncoming skiers and make adjustments in your route.

STAY HYDRATED

Often when skiing, we discount the importance of hydration. After all, we are skiing on frozen water getting thirsty seems farfetched.

Unfortunately, by the time we get thirsty, we are already suffering from the effects of dehydration. In fact, too many skiers rely on a quick slurp of water at a fountain or a cold beer to shake the effects of dehydration.

Keeping hydrated is important for skiing. It aids in retaining energy, supporting muscle performance and enhancing cellular function.

Drinking water helps to cope with altitude especially for skiers going to high elevations where the air is more arid. This can prevent headaches and other ill effects from high elevation.

To help with hydration on the slopes, drink frequently. Some skiers carry water bladders in packs to rehydrate on the chairlifts. You can also take frequent breaks to drink water, hot tea or energy drinks.

Eating fruits and soup can also aid in replenishing lost fluid. Keep in mind that caffeine and alcohol are dehydrators and should not be used as substitutes for water.

THINGS TO AVOID

CLOSED AREAS

Closed areas are to keep skiers away from hazards. Ski patrol closes slopes for snow, avalanche, rock, cliffs, creeks or melt-out hazards. Skiing into these areas is risky.

Plus, should something happen, ski patrol then must come into the hazardous area to perform a rescue. Staying out of closed areas ensures you will have a safer day on the slopes.

TREE WELLS

Fresh powder snow lures skiers into the trees for soft deep turns. But in some locations, those trees hold hidden dangers that can be fatal. Ski resorts with evergreen trees, such as hemlocks, spruce and firs, are places skiers should be cautious about.

Deep snow creates a well around the base of the tree, which may sometimes be hidden by the tree’s low branches. Some of these wells can be more than six feet deep.

These tree wells are filled with loose snow that can trap skiers who fall into them. It may sound innocuous, but skiers often fall in upside down.

So why are the tree wells dangerous? Due to the loose snow, skiers can’t get out. This is because snow consolidates around them, similar to what happens in an avalanche.

What can you do to protect yourself from falling into a tree well or suffocating when immersed in snow? If you are planning to ski in the trees, take a buddy. Ski near enough to each other that you can see if your buddy falls into a tree well and respond.

AVALANCHES

Avalanches can be deadly. To mitigate the risk, most resorts bomb or ski cut avalanche-prone slopes within the ski area boundaries. However, this does not usually go beyond the boundary or in side country.

Only go into avalanche terrain when the hazard is minimal. You can find the potential hazard level by checking the avalanche report.

Ski with at least one buddy in an avalanche terrain. Both of you must also carry the appropriate gear—a beacon, probe and shovel—and know how to use them. The gear cannot be shared if one person gets buried.

If you haven’t taken an avalanche course nor have the gear, steer clear of all potential avalanche terrains. If you plan to ski out of bounds, check in with ski patrol for an update on avalanche conditions or advice on routes.

SAFETY REMINDERS

FOLLOW SKIER RESPONSIBILITY CODES

In the U.S., the Skier Responsibility Code addresses common sense safety concerns. Although we’ve already mentioned several elements of the code, we find it wise to remind skiers of these again:

1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

In Canada, the Alpine Responsibility Code from the Canadian Ski Patrol is similar. It reiterates all of the same codes, but adds two others:

1. If you are involved in or witness a collision/accident, you must remain at the scene and identify yourself to the Ski Patrol.

2. You must not use lifts or terrain if your ability is impaired through the use of alcohol or drugs.

KNOW WHEN TO QUIT

Most ski patrollers concur that accidents happen at the end of the ski day. Why? That’s when fatigue sets in. Add the urge to ski for one more run and the adventure ends with torn ACLs, collisions or even worse injuries.

To avoid being hauled off the slope in a ski patrol toboggan, be conscious of your muscle strength and endurance. It’s better to call an end to your day to go celebrate in the bar or hot tub than end up in the hospital.

Make safe decisions to ensure that your ski vacation will be a success.

The post 14 Ski Safety Tips To Enjoy Your Next Snow Vacation appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we want to make sure you are equipped with the very best safety gear before you set out into the backcountry. In this article, we will cover the most important features to consider when choosing an avalanche probe.

For more of our top snow sports gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:

Avalanche Beacons | Avalanche Shovels

Reviews - The Best Avalanche Probes

Black Diamond QuickDraw Tour

Specs

• Best For: Overall
• Material: Aluminum
• Length: 7’10” (240cm), 9’8” (280cm), 10’6” (320cm)
• Weight: 11oz (303g), 12oz (342g), 14oz (385g)

PROS: Integrated stuff sack, non-slip grip, tip larger than shaft for better sensitivity when probing

CONS: Depth markers not laser-etched

View at REI

Backcountry Access Stealth

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Aluminum
• Length: 7’11” (240cm), 8’10” (270cm), 9’10” (300cm)
• Weight: 9.5oz (270g), 10.9oz (310g), 11.2oz (320g)

PROS: Very fast release, strong tip, compact, good value for money

CONS: Too long for some packs

View at REI

Backcountry Access Stealth Carbon

Specs

• Best For: Lightweight
• Material: Carbon
• Length: 7’10” (240cm), 9’10” (300cm)
• Weight: 7.6oz (215g), 9.9oz (280g)

PROS: Quick-Lock hardware for fast release with no loose cables, strong tip, compact, lightweight

CONS: Relatively expensive

View at Amazon

Black Diamond QuickDraw Carbon

Specs

• Best For: Lightweight
• Material: Carbon
• Length: 7’10” (240cm), 10’6” (320cm)
• Weight: 10oz (271g), 13oz (342g)

PROS: Durable, ferrules optimized for quick alignment, integrated stuff sack, non-slip grip, tip larger than shaft for better sensitivity when probing, slightly lighter than Black Diamond aluminum equivalent

CONS: Expensive

View at Backcountry

Black Diamond Pieps iProbe I

Specs

• Best For: Overall
• Material: Carbon/aluminum
• Length: 8’6” (260cm)
• Weight: 13oz (369g)

PROS: Probe tip has an integrated receiver which picks up signals from avalanche beacons for faster rescue, deactivates compatible beacons once found for multiple rescues, quick closing latch, good grip

CONS: Requires battery, limited range, expensive, heavy

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AVALANCHE PROBE

LENGTH

After locating the area where the victim is buried using an avalanche beacon, you’ll use an avalanche probe to pinpoint them so you can dig them out with your shovel. The chances of survival for people buried in more than 6.5 feet (2m) of snow is close to zero, so most probes are just a little longer than this range.

Taking into account the part of the probe that you will be holding, probes generally come in lengths between 6.5-10.5 feet (200cm-320cm). Ideally, you should look for an avalanche probe that is between 8-10 feet (240-300cm).

Probes longer than 10 feet might find victims buried so deep that their survival chances are extremely low. Probes shorter than 8 feet risk not finding victims buried under less than 6 feet of snow.

The general reason for choosing a shorter probe is ease of transport. Check how heavy the probe is and how much space it takes up when folded.

Usually, probes fold into segments about a foot-and-a-half long (40cm), but some probes are different. Check if your particular probe fits into an accessible part of your backpack.

Probes for professional use are often longer, thicker and stronger. These are for recovery professionals who are trained in avalanche rescue and may be able to save people buried deep beneath the snow.

They are easier on the back and less likely to break since they allow for a more stable grasp. Longer probes are also useful for measuring the snowpack when doing research or choosing whether to venture further into the backcountry.

WEIGHT

Since you will be carrying your avalanche probe at all times when skiing in the backcountry, you will want a probe that is as light as possible while still being effective.

MATERIAL

Avalanche probes come in carbon, aluminum and steel. It’s important to get a durable probe that won’t break upon being stabbed repeatedly into the snow. All three materials listed here are extremely strong and resistant to breaking, but each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

CARBON

Carbon probes are the lightest of the three which make them practical to carry while you are skiing. They are more expensive than aluminum probes.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum probes are slightly heavier than carbon probes, which make them less convenient to carry but can actually be an advantage in harder snow. They are less likely to break than carbon probes.

STEEL

Steel probes are the most durable of the lot, but they are also the heaviest. They are usually favored by avalanche professionals who do a lot of rescue work.

ASSEMBLY METHOD

Probes can come as collapsible versions that fit into your backpack or as dual-function ski pole/avalanche types. You should choose a probe that is quick and easy to deploy. Ski pole probes seem practical because they double as ski poles, which reduces the number of things you have to carry.

However, since ski pole probes require more assembly time, collapsible probes are a better choice. Whatever model you choose, make sure you practice until you can deploy it quickly and efficiently before setting out into the backcountry.

SKI POLE PROBES

These are assembled by removing baskets and screwing pole sections together. This takes an extra minute or two and will reduce the victim’s chances of survival. Ski pole probes are also shorter, and they are not as optimal for plunging into the snow.

DEDICATED AVALANCHE PROBES

Collapsible probes are usually composed of several metal parts attached by a cord or cable. The best ones assemble themselves in a few seconds with minimal effort on your part. Designs vary; this is a personal choice depending on what you are familiar with and comfortable using.

PURPOSE

The rule of thumb for avalanche probes is the longer, the better. However, not everybody wants to carry a clunky, heavy probe. Ski patrol and other professional rescuers tend to favor sturdier poles which are longer and more durable.

The average backcountry skier will tend to use shorter, lighter poles. Within this category, people who plan to ski in conditions with heavier snowfall should lean toward poles on the longer side. People who ski in conditions with lighter snowfall can opt for poles on the shorter side (but still at least than 8 feet).

DESIGN

There are several other factors you might want to consider before choosing an avalanche probe. While secondary, these are also important.

DEPTH MARKERS

Depth markers are essential. They help you determine how deep a victim is and where to dig from. Depth markers are also useful if you are looking for more than one victim. You should always rescue victims buried under less snow first, as they have better chances of survival.

Depth markers also make it possible to measure the snowpack, which is useful when determining whether conditions permit you to venture further into the backcountry. Laser-etched markings are better, as they don’t wear off.

PROBE TIP

Every second counts! The pointier the tip of the probe is, the easier it will slice through the snow.

DIAMETER

Generally diameter of the probe will depend on the material and other design features, but thinner poles are lighter, while thicker poles are stronger.

PACKING

Avalanche probes often come with carry pouches, but many people don’t use these because stopping to take the probe out of the bag wastes precious time.

COMPATIBILITY

Make sure your folded avalanche probe fits into your backpack. Some probes are designed to work in conjunction with other equipment such as air bags; check compatibility before buying.

Conditions are unpredictable in the backcountry, and you should always be prepared. It is critically important to know how to use your probe and practice beforehand in real-life conditions until you are confident with all aspects of avalanche rescue and survival.

Consider taking a course from AIARE or the American Avalanche Association.

The post Best Avalanche Probes of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Here, at The Adventure Junkies, we want to help you limit your choices when selecting the best avalanche shovel. We’ll discuss the main features that you should consider, explain why those features are important, and review a variety of avalanche shovels to help you find the best one for you.

For more of our top snow sports gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:

Avalanche Beacons | Avalanche Probes

Reviews - The Best Avalanche Shovels

Black Diamond Evac

Specs

• Best For: Overall
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: D-grip
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Large and Flat

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PITS, BACKCOUNTRY JUMPS

PROS: Converts to hoe, lightweight, collapses small, good construction

CONS: Gets stuck extending to full length occasionally, doesn’t fit in all ski backpacks

View at Evo

View at Moosejaw

Backcountry Access Bomber B-2

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: T-grip
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Large and Flat

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PITS, BACKCOUNTRY JUMPS, SNOW SHELTERS

PROS: Lightweight, slotted holds for rescue sled, fits in most ski backpacks, durable, easy to breakdown

CONS: Ice can get stuck in the locking mechanism

View at Backcountry

Black Diamond Deploy 7

Specs

• Best For: Rescue/Snow Pit Combo
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: D/T- hyrbrid grip
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Large and Curved

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PITS, BACKCOUNTRY JUMPS, SNOW SHELTERS

PROS: Quick assembly, fits in most ski backpacks

CONS: Handle too short for some skiers, slightly heavy

View at REI

Voile Telepro

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: D-grip
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Mid-size and Flat

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PIT

PROS: Lightweight, slotted holds for rescue sled

CONS: None could be found

View at Amazon

G3 AviTech

Specs

• Best For: Rescue/Snow Pit Combo
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: T-grip but with D-grip attachment
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Large and Flat

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PITS, SNOW SHELTERS

PROS: Quick assembly, lightweight, slotted for rescue sled

CONS: None could be found

View at Backcountry

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AVALANCHE SHOVELS

MATERIAL

The material of shovel is one of the best ways to narrow down your options when selecting the best avalanche shovel for you. If the shovel is made of inferior materials, it will break and become useless during a rescue mission. Most avalanche shovels are made of one of three types of materials: aluminum, plastic, or steel.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum is—hands down—the best material for an avalanche shovel. It allows the user to engage in the chopping action that is essential for rescuing a victim of an avalanche. It is stronger and will last longer than plastic. It is also lighter weight than steel and is often fabricated from the same material that it used for bike frames and airplanes.

PLASTIC

In most cases, plastic avalanche shovels are not recommended. Plastic avalanche shovels have the tendency to break in extreme cold and when the blade hits debris while digging. The only benefit to carrying a plastic avalanche shovel is that it may be very lightweight, but in an emergency it will not be a good selection.

STEEL

Steel shovels are extremely durable, but they are also extremely heavy. Most backcountry skiers prefer the lighter weight of heat-treated alloys over the heavier weight of a steel shovel.

BLADE SIZE

Blade size is a key component to selecting the best avalanche shovel for you. Many backcountry skiers prefer a larger blade, so they can move more snow. The downside to that is that—in an emergency—the person shoveling may get tired faster. The alternative is a smaller blade that is easier to handle. While a smaller blade will let you shovel snow for a longer period of time without experiencing fatigue, it is also less efficient at chopping away at dense snowpack and removes less snow than a larger blade.

It is also important that the blade’s size does not prevent you from storing your avalanche shovel inside your ski backpack. If it is attached to the outside of the pack, it will get torn off during an avalanche, making it useless.

BLADE SHAPE

The blade shape is a matter of preference. There are two main shapes—flat or curved—with benefits to each. Either shape of blade can also be serrated. A serrated blade will cut through cement-like snow, ice, and avalanche debris better.

FLAT BLADE

A flat blade is best for digging snow pits. Backcountry skiers dig snow pits to check the stability of the snowpack, letting them know the likelihood of an avalanche. The ability to take such precautions is as important as a good ski helmet. The cleaner and smoother the wall, the easier it is to see how stable it is.

CURVED BLADE

A curved blade is best for avalanche rescue since it will remove more snow with each scoop than a flat blade.

SHAFT

The shaft of an avalanche shovel can be extendable or telescoping, allowing for greater leverage, or it can be a fixed length. A longer shaft will give more leverage, while a shorter shaft will give greater maneuverability.

GRIP

There are three types of grips on the handle of an avalanche shovel: T-grip, L-grip, and D-grip. The T-grip is very effective and also most common type of avalanche shovel grip. The L-grip is the lightest and most compact type of avalanche shovel grip. The D-grip is the most ergonomic shovel handle grip. It is the easiest to hold when wearing mittens, but it also takes up the most space in your ski backpack because it is bulkier and heavier than the other grips.

The post Best Avalanche Shovels of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

The Adventure Junkies has created an easy guide for you, to not only buying an avalanche beacon but a useful know-how to spotting key features to look for in your new piece of kit. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a backcountry touring pro, or a rookie of the mountain, we can help you choose the right kit to enjoy your snow time safely!

For more of our top snow sports gear recommendations, check out these popular articles: 

Avalanche Shovels | Avalanche Probes

Reviews - Avalanche Beacons

Backcountry Access Tracker 3

Specs

• Best For: LED Search
• Can Mark Transmitters: No
• Search Strip: 164ft

BEST FOR OPERATING IN REFINED SEARCHES FOR FAST SINGLE VICTIM RECOVERY

PROS: An incredibly fast beacon that proves great with advanced users

CONS: The marking function (signal suppression) only lasts for 60 seconds before automatically referring to the nearest beacon

View at Amazon

Ortovox S1+

Specs

• Best For: Overall
• Can Mark Transmitters: Yes
• Search Strip: 196ft

BEST FOR A STYLISH FLIP TRANSCEIVER THAT FITS NEATLY INTO THE SUPPLIED HOLSTER

PROS: Self test option checks battery, transmit and recieve function at the start of the mountain day

CONS: Very expensive like it’s competitor the Mammut Pulse Barryvox

View at Amazon

Backcountry Access Tracker 3

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Can Mark Transmitters: Yes
• Search Strip: 164ft

BEST FOR BEGINNERS TO USING AVALANCHE BEACONS THAT NEED A STRONG AND EASY TO USE DEVICE

PROS: Despite being designed for novices, it proves extremely fast in finding single victims

CONS: Due to it’s target market of novices, it lacks a lot of the advanced features

View at REI

Arva Evo4

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Can Mark Transmitters: Yes
• Search Strip: 131ft

BEST FOR EASE OF USE AND GOOD PERFORMANCE FOR BUYERS ON A BUDGET

PROS: Given its ability to mark features and transmitters it is a very low price

CONS: A somewhat bulky design and poor search strip range compared with competitors

View at Backcountry

Ortovox Zoom +

Specs

• Best For: LED Search
• Can Mark Transmitters: No
• Search Strip: 131ft

BEST FOR EASE OF USE, WITH A SIMPLE DESIGN AND VERY FRIENDLY TO BUDGETS

PROS: Attractive design for the more fashion conscious ski and snowboard tour fan

CONS: No flagging/marking features are included, poor search strip range

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AVALANCHE BEACONS

RECEPTION RANGE & ANTENNAS

As climates change mountains are getting more and more unpredictable. So when looking to buy an avalanche beacon, it is always wise to seek one that works well. Be it in multiple burials that need a fast search, or finding a beacon that is easy to understand and use in a rescue. Having a strong set of ski wear and gear can be useless if you aren’t cautious and prepared when skiing off piste. A ski helmet will only provide protection from the initial impact of an avalanche slide. It is the beacon that will rescue you from the burial.

RANGE

The range of your avalanche beacon will determine how far the signal can search at any one time. The majority of high-performing beacons will feature a range of 160 ft (50 meters) or more. With some beacons being able to cover up to 190 ft (60 meters). When considering the range, it is also worth considering the search width you will be using. This is due to some widths being more effective than others in various situations. For unpracticed beginners, a long range is usually more beneficial.

ANTENNAS

Most avalanche beacons have multiple antennae. The benefit of this is that a single antenna will only be able to search a very limited reception range. Whereas two antennas or more will instead be able to perform a more effective and quick search. This is great in severe conditions where time is running out. The higher market rated beacons will often feature three antennae. This feature will allow your device to search in three directions at once. Such as left/right, up/down and forward and behind.

SEARCH STRIP

WIDE STRIPS

These will help you search the danger area faster. But the downside of doing so can result in completing your search without locating a signal. It is best to seek a device that is able to switch between a narrow and wide search strips. This option allows you to tailor your needs to suit the conditions and scenario before you. If you are a beginner with a device that can switch, practice will be necessary. Practice  will always be crucial for beginners unsure of when to use narrow or wide search widths.

NARROW STRIPS

The opposite to a wide search strip; is a narrow strip. Narrow strip are proved far more time-consuming. Experts will argue a narrow strips is far more accurate in locating mountain signals. When buying an avalanche beacon it can be a good plan to choose a device capable of this feature. But be sure to take it out and practice! Doing so will speed up your search process and maintain a high accuracy.

MULTIPLE BURIAL FEATURES

In bad avalanche conditions, it is rare that you will be facing a single burial. As a result of this experts have designed marking features. Multiple marking systems will seek several victims at once. A rescue team can mark several locations. This allows you to dig for more than one victim at the same time. As you dig, the beacon continues to search the location for other victims.

DISPLAY

The display of your avalanche beacon is an often overlooked aspect. But when you are in low light conditions and an emergency, this can be a vital trait of your avalanche beacon. A good beacon will have a bright and easy to read display, some featuring backlights to their screens. This way despite poor visibility, reading your beacons signal won’t be an issue. Whether you are in the dark or a blizzard!

EASE OF OPERATION

It is easy to overlook the simplest functions of an avalanche beacon. Yet these will be the most time-consuming in a crisis. One of the most common and overlooked flaws can your gloves. Many gloves are not compatible with touch screens and small buttons. Check if your beacon is operational while wearing your winter gloves. Removing your gloves during a search is time-consuming and risks the survival rates. Struggling to operate your beacons controls is dangerous in a dire avalanche scenario!

COMFORT

Most avalanche beacons come with a strap or harness. It is always a good idea to try these out before a sale. Most mountain equipment stores will be happy to show you not only how these fit, but how to wear them. Avoid a harness that holds your beacon in an uncomfortable position. This could be pressing on your chest or too far to the side for easy access. This is not suitable for the quick and reliable access you will need in any avalanche scenario.

SIZE & DESIGN

This goes hand in hand with the comfort of the avalanche beacon you choose. Be careful not to select a beacon that is bulky and heavy, or additionally to light and fragile. These devices are durable when made well. They shouldn’t be uncomfortable as you operate them. Find a design that is durable, whilst being a weight you can support with ease. Take the strap and harness into consideration, if these come with the beacon.

The post Best Avalanche Beacons of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.