Product reviews/10/13/2023

ISPO award winner: Mammut Alugator Ultra Avalanche Shovel

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After almost three years of development, the Swiss mountaineering specialists at Mammut present the Alugator Ultra, one of the lightest aluminum shovels on the market. Thanks to its modern design and innovative materials, the Alugator Ultra received an ISPO Award.

The lightest UIAA-certified avalanche shovel on the market.

Mammut avalanche equipment has always stood for intuitive handling and state-of-the-art technology. With the Alugator Ultra avalanche shovel, the Swiss equipment specialists are introducing an extremely light yet robust avalanche shovel for the winter of 2023-24.

Julian Langer, Senior Product Engineer at Mammut, was instrumental in the development of this new avalanche shovel: "The Alugator Ultra shovel is synonymous with Mammut's innovative strength and is the result of three years of development. Weighing less than 400 grams, it is not only the lightest UIAA-certified aluminum shovel, it also meets the highest safety standards. The welding process used to create it is also unique and exclusive to the market.“

The Alugator Ultra avalanche shovel with retractable telescopic handle. The symmetrical T-handle for optimal power transmission when digging.
Image credit:
Mammut

In addition to the welded construction, the blade, which is only 1 mm thick, is another special feature. It is made of 7075 aluminum. A material used primarily in aerospace applications, it is 90% as strong as stainless steel, but weighs only a third as much.

No contradiction: light and strong

Despite its low weight of 395 grams, the Alugator Ultra avalanche shovel makes no compromises. A shovel blade size of 22 x 24 cm guarantees effective digging and, like all Mammut avalanche shovels, reliably cuts through compacted avalanche snow. The quick-release telescopic handle and the symmetrical T-handle for optimum power transfer during shoveling are two other well thought-out details that ensure the avalanche shovel works reliably. Bonus: The space-saving shovel blade design allows this essential piece of equipment to fit into a small avalanche airbag backpack.

There is no need to worry about the robustness of this lightweight avalanche shovel. All Mammut avalanche shovels are UIAA-certified, which means they are durable and efficient for rescue operations. Alexander Weijnman, Head of Avalanche Safety at Mammut, explains: "In Europe, high-quality equipment can be recognized by valid standards and, in the case of avalanche shovels, by certification (UIAA 156). This guarantees that a shovel can withstand the weight of the concrete-hard avalanche snow.“

In an emergency, every second counts. That's why functional avalanche equipment must meet the highest possible safety standards. And that's exactly what the Mammut Alugator Ultra avalanche shovel offers.

What the ISPO Award jury says about the Mammut Alugator Ultra avalanche shovel:

„Especially on long ski or splitboard tours, any extra weight saved in the pack makes a positive difference. A UIAA-certified avalanche shovel with a full-size blade that weighs less than 400 grams - that's a real innovation.“

Product specifications:

  • Weight: 395 g
  • Shovel blade (L x W): 22 x 24 cm 
  • Handle length: 39 cm (retracted), 75 cm (extended)
  • Material: 7075 aluminum
  • Target group: ambitious touring skiers and competitors.
  • Price: €125.00

4 reasons why the Mammut Alugator Ultra avalanche shovel convinced the ISPO Award jury:

  • Low weight
  • Robust and UIAA-certified
  • Sophisticated, functional design
  • Innovative manufacturing process
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