Avalanche Safety Essentials for Winter 2025/2026

Sponsored by Westlock Power Sports & Marine

When Alberta’s backcountry transforms into a powder-filled playground, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the ride. But even the most experienced sledders know that deep snow brings deep responsibility. This winter, make avalanche safety your top priority — and gear up with trusted products from brands that lead the industry in performance and protection.

Below are four essential pieces of avalanche and survival gear available right here at Westlock Power Sports & Marine.

 

Mountain Lab Emergency Bivy – $19.99 CAD

Compact, ultralight, and reliable — this bivy is a must-have for every backcountry pack. The Mountain Lab Emergency Bivy reflects up to 90 % of your body heat, shielding you from cold, wind, and wet snow in an emergency overnight situation.

It packs down smaller than your glove, making it effortless to carry whether you’re sledding, touring, or guiding.

Why we love it: 

Simple insurance for unexpected nights out — it's inexpensive, highly visible in rescue situations, and adds peace of mind for riders and families exploring deeper snow.

Mountain Lab Emergency Sleeping Bag (Exhale Bivy) – $64.99 CAD

If you’re venturing far from basecamp, upgrade to the Mountain Lab Exhale Bivy — a breathable, reusable emergency sleeping bag that balances warmth retention with ventilation. It’s built to resist moisture while keeping condensation low, ideal for multi-day missions or unpredictable storms.

Key features:

• Breathable and waterproof material
• Compact and lightweight (under 200 g)
• Durable enough for repeated use

Our take:

For riders who like to push boundaries but still plan smart, this is the perfect “just-in-case” piece of gear.

 

Highmark Charger X 3.0 R.A.S. Avalanche Airbag Vest – $806.65 CAD (on sale from $999.99)

The Highmark Charger X 3.0 Airbag Vest is a top-tier piece of avalanche protection engineered for snowmobilers. Combining full-torso protection with the Snowpulse 3.0 Removable Airbag System, it’s designed to help keep you on top of a slide and protect your chest and spine from trauma.

Highlights:

• Integrated airbag system for rapid inflation
• Lightweight and ergonomic vest fit
• Reinforced body armor and backplate
• Quick-access pockets for probe, radio, and essentials

Why it stands out:

This vest eliminates the need for a bulky backpack, keeping your movement unrestricted while giving you cutting-edge protection. If you’re serious about safety and ride performance, this is your go-to.

 

Mammut Probe 320 Speed Lock – $115.00 CAD

When seconds count, speed and precision matter most. The Mammut Probe 320 Speed Lock deploys in seconds with an intuitive pull-system and provides a sturdy 320 cm reach — perfect for deep Rocky Mountain snowpacks.

Specs:

• Carbon/aluminum hybrid for lightweight strength
• 320 cm length for accurate depth measurements
• High-visibility markings and non-slip grip
• Speed-Lock mechanism for rapid assembly

Pro tip:

Pair it with your Highmark airbag vest and keep it easily accessible — every second in a rescue counts.

Build Your Avalanche Safety Kit

Before heading out, make sure your group has these essentials covered:

✅ Airbag system (like the Highmark Charger X 3.0)

✅ Transceiver / beacon – practiced and powered

✅ Probe (try the Mammut 320 Speed Lock)

✅ Shovel – metal blade preferred

✅ Emergency shelter (the Mountain Lab Bivy or Sleeping Bag)

✅ Communication device (radio, satellite messenger)

Avalanche awareness is more than gear — it’s knowledge, teamwork, and preparation. Take an avalanche safety course, check the Avalanche Canada bulletins before every ride, and practice your rescue drills often.

Ride Smart, Ride Local

At Westlock Power Sports & Marine, safety and adventure go hand-in-hand. Stock up on your winter essentials now and make sure your next backcountry day is one you come home from — warm, safe, and ready for the next ride.

👉 Shop local at adventureproshop.ca for these exact items and more avalanche-ready gear.