Avalanche probes

How do you use an avalanche probe?

After you have located where an avalanche victim is buried using your avalanche beacon. Use an avalanche probe to probe the snow and determine the victim’s location and depth under the snow. Then use the shovel to excavate the victim. Off-piste, an avalanche probe combined with an avalanche beacon and shovel is indispensable.

What to look for when buying an avalanche probe?

All avalanche probes in our range are compact for storage, so they easily fit in the avalanche compartment of a ski backpack, snowboard backpack or avalanche airbag. The main differences are length and material.

• Length: the probes range from 220 to 320 centimetres.
• Material: aluminium, steel or carbon.

There are also avalanche probes with an acoustic and visual hit indicator, such as the Pieps iProbe. The closer the probe tip gets to a person, the faster it beeps. 

Practising with your avalanche probe

When every second counts you need to have the meters-long avalanche probe quickly ready for use. A probe consists of multiple sections connected by a cord. You assemble the probe by throwing it out and pulling the cord. This makes all the parts click into place at once. The movement takes some practice, so it’s important that you practise with your probe. The same applies to the avalanche beacon and shovel.

Do I need an avalanche probe?

Off-piste, an avalanche probe is indispensable. With the probe you determine the exact location of the victim, allowing you to dig precisely.

Which length avalanche probe

The most common length for an avalanche probe is 240 centimeters. Mountain guides usually opt for a longer probe of at least 300 centimeters. Intermediate sizes are also available in 260 and 280 centimeters. A longer probe provides greater reach, but also more weight. 

In our range you will also find a Piep iProbe of 220 centimeters. This is an electronic probe with acoustic and visual hit indicator, meaning its effective range is greater than 220 centimeters.

Probe made of aluminium, steel or carbon

Aluminium probes are sturdy, durable and affordable. Carbon, on the other hand, is lighter and stiffer. You’ll see touring skiers or splitboarders who do long tours and want to save weight choosing a carbon probe. A steel probe is mainly found among professionals, such as mountain guides. Steel is strong, but stiffer than aluminium and therefore very accurate. 

Buying an avalanche probe at Snowcountry

In our collection you’ll find reliable names such as Arva, Ortovox, Pieps and BCA. That way you’re always assured of an avalanche probe of the highest quality. Do you have questions? Contact the experts at our customer service. Also buy from us a complete avalanche set consisting of a probe, avalanche beacon and shovel.