Voile Telepro Avalanche Shovel Review

When you go backpacking or climbing in winter, it is important to bring along an avalanche shovel for prepping tent sites or digging a snow shelter in an emergency. If you’re in a group, a shovel can often be shared unless you are in an avalanche zone where multiple shovels might be needed to effect a serious rescue.

Avalanche Shovel

The Voile Telepro Avalanche Shovel is a professional-grade avalanche snow shovel available used widely by search and rescue personnel. It comes in 2 pieces, a telescoping handle with a D-shaped handle and a large aluminum scoop which can be detached for ease of transport. The D-shaped handle is easier to hold than a T-shaped one that you find on other shovels and the scoop is larger, making this a very efficient tool to use for camp prep or emergency situations.

Weighing 1 lb 14 oz, the Telepro comes in multiple colors with different options. An orange model includes pre-drilled holes which enable the shovel to be used as a snow anchor. This option costs $8 more than the version without holes. These holes also make a great beer bottle opener should you find yourself in a small town motel without twist-off caps.

If you are doing a lot of high altitude winter climbing, you might also consider the Voile T6 Tech Avalanche Shovel which is 4 oz. lighter and has a built-in snow saw that slides into the telescoping shaft. Building snow shelters using a saw can be a lot faster than carving them out with a shovel alone.

The Voile Telepro Shovel is a super tough shovel that is not limited to backcountry use: I even bought a second one for my wife to carry around in her car to dig it out when it snows.

Disclosure: The author owns this product and purchased it using their own funds.

SectionHiker is reader-supported. We only make money if you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.