The Mountain Hub Scope ski poles look pretty much like any other you might see someone using in the backcountry. Look a little closer, however, and you will see they have snowpack assessment tools built right in. You now have an easy way to analyze the layers of the snowpack (without having to dig a pit every time) before skiing in the backcountry. You will also help the greater ski community in the process.
For the ski poles, Mountain Hub (formerly Avatech) took on a complete overhaul of their probing technology. They designed it from the ground-up, making it faster, lighter, more accurate, and easier to use.
The probe works by measuring the resistance of the snow when it is plunged into the snowpack. A depth meter, combined with sensors within the probe, produce a visual representation of the snowpack — this information is sent to the corresponding app on your phone where you can view the snowpack profile. This alerts you to sections that are prone to slides, helping you to avoid the area and remain safe in the backcountry.
If you have cell coverage, the probe results can be instantly uploaded into the Mountain Hub system or you can choose to do so when you get home. Your location is automatically added to the data and you can add notes to further clarify your exact location and observations.
I love the thought of every backcountry skier using these to community source snowpack information. Everyone ends up safer in the process. Sadly, you’ll have to wait until next ski season to get yourself a pair but you can pre-order them now from the Mountain Hub website. The retail price is $499 but the pre-order price is $350.