Black Diamond D9 Shovel - 2006 BCS

Don't buy this if you want small and light! That said, if you need to move a lot of snow in a hurry (building Quinzees, rescuing your friends) this is the beast to do it. Biggest blade I've ever seen on an avalanche shovel and nice long handle for leverage too. Given the weight and sturdiness of the blade, it chops through hard-pack and boilerplate with ease. The only con I can see is that the handle is a little too long, even when collapsed, for easily digging out the inside of your snow shelter. I had to take the handle off and dig with just the blade to get one started.

This is one solid shovel. I think I'll save it for the snow but I could use it to cut out chunks of concrete from my driveway. The blade was a bit larger than I was expecting but I'm really happy with the shovel.

I live in Southeast Alaska where the snow can be quite icy. My son and I compete every year at the annual BSA Frostbite Challenge near White Pass (of Klondyke Gold rush fame.)( Best designed snow caves and igloos)The D9 is the King of shovels! To get our snow cave or igloo dug before the sun goes down, we're shovelling mad men. I've use other name brand shovels but none compare. (at all!) The quality is top notch! The paint stays on in cold temps. (Unlike other brands!) Thanks BD