The Alpenglow Expeditions Avalanche Safety Kit

An avalanche safety kit is a tough thing to assemble. Choosing equipment that maximizes ease-of-use, speed, and safety requires experience with the gear, the one thing a beginner lacks! We teamed up with Alpenglow Expeditions and Black Diamond to curate the Alpenglow Expeditions Avalanche Safety Kit!

We polled the experience of Alpenglow Expedition's professional guides and capitalized on impressive new tech from our friends at Black Diamond. This avy rescue and backcountry travel kit is an excellent starting point that will grow alongside you as you develop your backcountry skiing, splitboarding, snowmobiling, and/or snowshoeing experience. You can save 20% on your avalanche gear by booking avalanche education with Alpenglow Expeditions.

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How to choose a beacon?

Professional guides are notoriously unhelpful when you ask them about the best beacon. Guides are famous for this answer: "The best beacon is the one you know how to use." As a beginner, you don't yet know how to use a beacon! Guides also generally use top-of-the-line gear and require advanced features that a beginner does not need. We made this guide for folks who don't yet know what features matter most.

We put our heads together to make concrete beacon recommendations that Alpenglow Sports and Alpenglow Expeditions stand behind. We believe the best entry-level beacons combine ease-of-use, a large search range, and the highest search accuracy. The following beacons deliver all three benefits.

Pieps IPS Pro

The new Pieps IPS Pro beacon is designed to limit the effects of interference so that you can get the best performance out of your beacon. The IPS has an impressive 80m search range and retains peak performance even when the searcher or victim is experiencing interference.

Why it's our pick:

In AIARE 1, you'll learn where to carry your beacon to limit interference, but we're humans, and not always perfect! The IPS uses smart technology to limit the effects of interference to avoid one of the trickiest situations you can experience in avalanche rescue.

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Black Diamond Guide BT

With a 60m circular range, mark and scan function for multiple burials, and an antenna that automatically adjusts to send the best signal, the Black Diamond Guide BT beacon is a professional-grade avalanche beacon with Bluetooth capabilities. The beacon’s Bluetooth connection allows you to manage settings, software updates and battery optimization from your smartphone.

Why it's our pick:

Upgrading to a "guide level" beacon ensures that you won't quickly outgrow your beacon as you start to need more pro-level features. We find the large screen delivers clear instructions and makes for efficient searching.

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Black Diamond Recon X

An excellent budget choice! With a 60-meter circular range, bluetooth connectivity, and three antennas for pinpoint search accuracy, the Recon X is a streamlined beacon for everyday use.

Why it's our pick:

Despite a shorter search range (60m), the Recon X also utilizes Black Diamond's interference-limiting tech. This beacon is an excellent starting point for backcountry recreationalists of all kinds.

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Avalanche shovels, explained.

The main differences between avalanche shovels are volume and weight. Volume is actually "blade volume" which is a measurement of how much snow the shovel can throw with each scoop. This becomes important when you consider fatigue during a rescue scenario. Some folks can opt for a large-volume shovel allowing them to evacuate large blocks of snow with strong, deliberate scoops. Other folks will do better with a small-volume blade allowing for more strokes at a quicker cadence. To each their own!

Your shovel will be the largest and heaviest component of your avalanche rescue equipment. Many folks choose lightweight shovels to cut down on overall pack weight. A lighter pack will help you get deeper into the backcountry with less effort.

Black Diamond Transfer LT

At 405 grams, the Black Diamond Transfer LT is the lightest UIAA certified shovel on the market. The Transfer LT features an innovative riveted blade that's lightweight and thin for slicing through debris, and has a lower volume, 550 cm2, for moving snow quickly.

Why it's our pick:

You won't be a beginner forever. Soon enough, you'll be eyeing bigger, technical adventures that require an ice axe. The Transfer LT is the ultimate lightweight solution because it connects seamlessly to the Venom LT Ice Axe. which serves as the handle of the shovel. This kit, allows you to have the benefit of a shovel and ice axe without having to carry the two-piece telescoping shovel handle, saving serious weight.

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Black Diamond Evac 7

Black Diamond Evac 7 features a unique handle that can be set up in in both standard shovel and hoe mode for digging test pits or rapid snow removal. The large 725 cm² blade moves lots of snow quickly, and a flat-bottom profile helps you get a good clean face on your pit wall.

Why it's our pick:

Hoe mode is super advantageous in rescue situations where multiple diggers can work at the same time. A shovel in hoe mode is the most efficient tool to evacuate snow downhill of the lead digger, especially with the huge blade on the Evac 7. If this doesn't make sense to you yet, it will after your avalanche course!

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Black Diamond Transfer Shovel

The UIAA certified Black Diamond Transfer Shovel helps you throw as much snow as possible from the smallest footprint. Its durable, smooth-bottom blade give you clean walls in your snow pit and the versatile design works well in any backcountry situation.

Why it's our pick:

This is the budget choice for individuals that would be most efficient shoveling snow at a high cadence with a small blade volume. We do find the T-shaped handle is quite comfortable.

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Choose your probe

The probe you choose depends on where you ski most often and what your tolerance for weight is. Probes are offered in many lengths with a short probe at 280cm and longer probes up to 320cm. You need a longer probe if you ski in places with a deeper snowpack. In Tahoe, where we routinely get more than 500" of snow in a season, a longer probe can come in handy.

Longer probes are heavier so we often choose carbon fiber probes to cut down on total pack weight. When it comes to probes, the carbon equivalents are often as little as $15 more than their aluminum counterparts.

Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Carbon 320

Constructed of carbon tubing, stainless steel cable, and the tried-and-true Quickdraw Pro locking mechanism, the Quickdraw Carbon Pro 320 is the lightest and stiffest full-length probe (320cm) in the Black Diamond Snow Safety offering.

Why it's our pick:

This probe allows you to go big on length without the concerns about weight or packability. The stiffness of the carbon makes it easy to plunge to it's full depth.

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Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro 280

The Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Probe 280 is the daily driver probe for backcountry users in medium to low snowpack areas. Constructed from aluminum, stainless steel cable, and the tried-and-true Quickdraw Pro locking mechanism.

Why it's our pick:

The quickdraw system is one of the most confidence-inspiring probe deployments we've tried. It's rare to have anything but a full deployment on your first try. You do not need to carry the included stuff sack.

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Choosing backcountry poles

There are two types of adjustable-length poles for backcountry skiing: Z-poles and telescoping poles. Telescoping poles have two or three sections that slide, or "telescope" in and out to create your desired length. Telescoping poles are generally more durable thanks to the overlapping sections providing additional rigidity. You'll need this for thwacking cornices! We also have some data that telescoping poles are more reliable thanks to simple, flick-lock closures between sections.

Z-Poles are significantly smaller when collapsed. Compared to a three section telescoping pole, Z-Poles are, on average, 8 inches shorter when folded. If your pack does not have an external option to carry your poles, a Z-Pole is the best option for storing inside your pack. Many snowboarders prefer Z-poles for this reason. We've curated this collection of durable poles that stand up to cornice thwacking, ice clearing, riser flipping, and everything else you'd want out from your collapsible touring pole.

Black Diamond Traverse Pro

This two-piece pole was just redesigned, adding extended rubber grips with a flat edge to clear snow and a soft-touch utility hook for quick heel riser adjustments. They also integrated a PH3 screwdriver in the shaft for gear adjustments in the field and a 1.5mm hex wrench to adjust the FlickLock.

Why it's our pick:

Poles are one of the most common things that you will break in the backcounty. The BD FlickLock system proves to be the most reliable system for adjustable length poles. Add the integrated tool for in-the-field adjustments, and you'll never be without a functioning pole.

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Traverse Compactor Ski Poles

Combining BD's folding Z-Pole technology with winter functionality, the Traverse Compactor is a four-season aluminum pole that folds into a compact package, making them ideal for splitboarding, snowshoeing, and airline travel to distant winter destinations.

Why it's our pick:

Mainly, we like the color. Seriously though, BDs Z-Poles are proved and trusted backcountry tools. They hold up to many seasons of use and pack a lot of great features (all the features of the Traverse Pro) into a small package.

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Backpacks for the backcountry

The first two considerations with backcounty backpacks are volume and torso length. Volume, expressed in liters, will vary from as few as 28 liters to as many as 40. The average pack size of Tahoe recreational backcountry skiers is 32-34 liters. If you are a larger person, you will need a larger pack as all the gear you carry (clothing, gloves, helmet) will be more voluminous.

If you are someone who carries a full-avalanche pit-kit, larger medical kit (which we highly recommend), or is just want more tools at your disposal for a big mission, you can most likely get by with a 35 liter pack. Another reason to get a larger pack would be if you had technical mountaineering objectives and needed to carry ropes and additional gear.

Torso length is the measurement from the top of your shoulder blades down to the top of your hip bones. Matching your torso length to the stated length of the backpack will ensure the most comfort day after day. We are happy to help you measure your torso length at Alpenglow Sports and recommend a pack that matches your anatomy and goals.

Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32

The Dawn Patrol Pack is a favorite of the Alpenglow Sports staff, used daily by Jeff and Janice. Janice even named it her "Staff Pick" product last winter.

From Janice:

"The Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32l Pack has everything you need for a day of touring.  It comes in two torso lengths and, at 5’7," the Small/Medium size fits me well.  There is a place for everything - your safety gear outer compartment, and a lined goggle pocket.  There is a built-in helmet carrying system and lots of ways to strap skis to the pack.

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Black Diamond Cirque 35

The Cirque 35 is a technical ski mountaineering pack with a roll-top main compartment, an externally accessed avy safety pocket, and a quick-access side pocket. Designed for bigger objetives that require ice tools and more, the Cirque 35 has the extra volume you'll need and some smart designs throughout.

Why it's our pick:

We are a big fan of BD's "PickPocket" external axe carry system. It's super helpful to be able to grab your ice axe quickly if you unexpectedly find yourself in a hairy situation in steep terrain.

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How to save on your avy kit

1. Enroll with Alpenglow Expeditions

Sign up for any avalanche education course with Alpenglow Expeditions. Courses are offered in the Tahoe backcountry and inbounds at Palisades Tahoe.

2. Get your discount code

Alpenglow Sports offers exclusive discounts on avy gear for Alpenglow Expeditions clients. You will receive your personal code via email.

3. Buy your kit at Alpenglow Sports

You can use your discount code online or in store. We offer delivery to Alpenglow Expeditions, shipping to your home address, or pickup in-store.

Why we teamed up

“Safety in the backcountry is paramount, and this partnership embodies our shared commitment to enhancing that safety through education and high-quality gear. By offering this exclusive kit and discount, we are providing our clients with both the knowledge and the tools needed to navigate winter environments safely.”

Sean Kristl, General Manager at Alpenglow Expeditions

"We're tremendously excited to launch this new program with our friends at Alpenglow Expeditions. While we are completely separate companies, we share a passion for untracked backcountry powder. More importantly, with the astronomical growth of backcountry touring, we think it should be done responsibly and safely. By pooling our resources, we can do our part to facilitate and steward the most educated and savvy backcountry traveler possible."

Brendan Madigan, owner of Alpenglow Sports

“As the outdoor industry evolves, these kinds of innovative partnerships are ever more important in building the sport, elevating the consumer experience and growing our community of outdoor enthusiasts. We’re proud to be partners to these two exceptional organizations.

Neil Fiske, CEO of Black Diamond

The curious case of two Alpenglows

How is it that Tahoe's two premiere backcountry brands have the same name? It's a tale as old as time. Alpenglow Sports was founded in 1973 and has been outfitting our customers for backcountry travel ever since. In 2003, Adrian Ballinger gave his first talk at the Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series (he's now done five!). Adrian was living in Colorado at the time and was still mulling over what it would look like to create his own guiding company. In a shivering bivy on the side of Peru's 20,217 ft. Ranrapalca mountain, Adrian Ballinger decides to found his business and he and his climbing partner, Ian Boyer, come up with the name "Alpenglow Expeditions." Was it the altitude or some lingering inspiration from his recent experience with Alpenglow Sports? We will never know.

Alpenglow Expeditions was founded in June 2004 and ran international expeditions while based out of Aspen, CO. In 2008, Adrian moved to Tahoe and Alpenglow Expeditions came along for the ride. Since then, Alpenglow Sports and Alpenglow Expeditions have enjoyed an incredibly harmonious relationship where folks think we're the same as the other entity, and we both benefit from the increased exposure and positive associations.

All clients who sign up for an Alpenglow Expeditions avalanche safety program during the 2024-2025 season will receive a discount code for use at Alpenglow Sports via email. This code can be used online at alpenglowsports.com or at the Alpenglow Sports store and product will be available for pickup or delivered directly to the Alpenglow Expeditions office for convenience.