Choosing the Right Avalanche Shovel

Picking the right avalanche shovel can be a confusing process, especially when you’re unsure of what to look for and how to understand the features that each has both in terms of safety and packability.

With BCA’s new Dozer shovel lineup, you’ll be getting industry-leading safety, packability and fast snow moving capabilities no matter what you choose. All shovels in the new lineup boast an ovo-concave extendable shovel shaft for more snow moving power, a neckless attachment for easy stowability and a stomp edge on the blade so that you can use physics to your advantage when you need it most. The Dozer lineup is comprised of a number of different shovels, all with specific features to fit a variety of needs.

To help you select the right shovel for your wintertime adventures, we’ve broken down the features of a few of our top shovel picks.

Light and Fast

Dozer 1T-UL

The Dozer 1T-UL is geared toward skiers and riders who are looking to keep their pack contents as light as possible for speedy ascents without sacrificing safety and shoveling efficiency when it counts. Dozer 2H which weighs in at 1.69 lbs. compared to the .96 of the IT-UL. A cored-out blade and thinner-walled 7075 aluminum make this the lightest digging machine in the BCA shovel lineup.

Workhorse Shovels

Dozer 2H

The Dozer 2H Shovel is designed for those looking to take their snowpack assessments to the next level or for professionals doing regular snow analysis. This shovel is made specifically to be highly durable and sports an ovo-concave shaft that’s designed for increased durability—specifically it prevents breakage when prying. A stompable blade helps break up dense snow and a “hoe mode” (That’s what the H stands for) offers fast and easy snow moving capabilities as well as easy snow pit shearing. A cored-out handle decreases weight without sacrificing durability and strength.

Dozer 2D, Dozer 2T

Here’s where we get nerdy about grip. What’s the difference in the Dozer 2D and 2T? In short, the handle grip. For those who like to wear mittens instead of gloves, the 2D (D stands for D-grip) allows you to securely grab the handle and lock in a proper shoveling stance without slippage. The T-grip accommodates a variety of grips and hand sizes. The 2D and 2T have the same stompable blade as the 2H and the durable ovo-concave shaft. Both shovels are designed for the recreationalist looking to explore farther into the backcountry in a safe and sustainable manner.

Dozer 3D

Are you interested in building big kickers or doing industrial amounts of snow moving? The 3D is the right choice for you. This shovel also has a stompable blade and an ovo-concave shaft, but unlike its smaller siblings, the 3D doesn’t fit into Float or Stash packs due to its large size. This is the perfect choice for building jumps and expanding your freestyle repertoire whether you’re at the resort or in the backcountry.

Bang For Your Buck

Dozer 1T

This shovel is perfect for people who are new to the backcountry and want the security of knowing they have a shovel that’s time tested. The Dozer 1T, the updated version of the fan favorite B-1 EXT sports the newly included ovo-concave shaft just like all other Dozer shovels as well as that same stompable edge that allows for moving snow fast. This is your no-frills, affordable pick for your avy kit this coming winter.