In my experience you can move alot of snow real fast by moving your shovel up and down while dragging it towards you. It acts as a plow but the up and down movements keep the snow soft so that it can be moved with ease. Anything to save even a second of time.
This video answers your question -- yes, because taking it off and putting it back on (and making sure you haven't lost any gear before putting it back on) takes time, and in avalanche rescue, every minute counts! (After 30 minutes, less than half of the victims are still alive!)
The most important thing is to dig like your own life depends on it! (Which, BTW, is one thing that avalanche rescue has in common with trench warfare -- indeed, in the latter, your own life often ACTUALLY DOES depend on your shoveling skills!)
Professional rescue teams will remember and be tested. Major ski resorts out west have them and they train regularly. I am guessing larger eastern resorts have them, probably with less experience.
Thank you!
Strategic shoveling... , I like the name of it.
In my experience you can move alot of snow real fast by moving your shovel up and down while dragging it towards you. It acts as a plow but the up and down movements keep the snow soft so that it can be moved with ease. Anything to save even a second of time.
Should you be wearing your backpack while you shovel?
This video answers your question -- yes, because taking it off and putting it back on (and making sure you haven't lost any gear before putting it back on) takes time, and in avalanche rescue, every minute counts! (After 30 minutes, less than half of the victims are still alive!)
I thought I was a fast shoveler, until I saw Mike Duffy dig in person.
The most important thing is to dig like your own life depends on it! (Which, BTW, is one thing that avalanche rescue has in common with trench warfare -- indeed, in the latter, your own life often ACTUALLY DOES depend on your shoveling skills!)
I love snow forts
Snow forts don't have anything to do with avalanches,shoveling in the snow trying to save a person's life.
Dude got avalanched just for the video
snow cubes not baby chunks
who on earth will remember and execute all of these combinations...??
Professional rescue teams will remember and be tested. Major ski resorts out west have them and they train regularly. I am guessing larger eastern resorts have them, probably with less experience.