The Ortovox Pro Light is a 440 g aluminum avalanche shovel with a telescoping shaft and a T grip. It meets the UIAA 156 avalanche shovel standard.

What it's for

An avalanche shovel moves the snow once a buried person has been located. Ortovox builds the Pro Light for ski tourers who want low pack weight in a full metal shovel, and rates it for ski touring and freeride.

How it works

Blade: hardened, anodized 6061 T6 aluminum with high sidewalls and a pronounced center ridge for stiffness

Cutting edge: sharp and sturdy for hard debris

Step grooves: grooves on the top of the blade keep your boot from slipping when you stomp it in

Shaft: telescoping 7075 T6 aluminum with a rapid closure that locks without pressing a button

Grip: a T grip on a groove shaped shaft cross section

Features

• Rescue sled: the blade can be used to build a rescue sled
• Snow anchor: notches in the blade let you use it as an anchor
• Packing: blade shape is made to sit flat in a pack

Compatibility

• Packs: Ortovox states it fits all ORTOVOX backpacks
• Shaft: compatible with the Ortovox PRO ALU III shaft

Setup and installation

• Carry: inside your pack, blade and shaft together
• Practice: assemble it with gloves on until it is automatic
• Training: Avalanche rescue gear only helps if you know how to use it. Get training and practice with your gear regularly. OMG runs AIARE avalanche courses.

Specs

• Weight: 440 g
• Blade material: 6061 T6 aluminum, hardened and anodized
• Shaft material: 7075 T6 aluminum
• Standard: UIAA 156
• Color: Deep black