The New Scope Bluetooth-Enabled Ski Pole Will Keep You Safe In The Backcountry

A company called Mountain Hub has developed a new high technology tool known as Scope ski poles - designed to keep skiers safe when exploring remote slopes of uncharted territory.

At first glance, the Scope ski poles looks just like any other set ski poles but they are lightweight, durable and built for maximum performance, even in deep powder. The scope ski poles have a few hidden qualities which make them an excellent choice for backcountry use.

The ski poles feature a hidden built-in snowpack probe and also Bluetooth connectivity that connects them to a skier's smartphone for analysis of snow conditions. The Scope's integrated snowpack probe is a modified version of Mountain Hub's SP2 - a device designed for snow safety professionals, which include mountain guides and also search and rescue teams, according to Yahoo.

The SP2 is able to sense changes in pressure in the snow and alert skiers, and snowboarders of the potential danger. The same technology is now integrated in the Scope ski poles.

One of the dangers associated with skiing are avalanches - a rapid flow of snow down a sloping surface which often occurs when a sheet of thick and heavy snow sits on a light and dense layer. Large avalanches can bring hundreds of tons of debris pouring down the side of a mountain and can even bury skiers under pounds of rubble. It can be extremely dangerous, as it accounts for the life of more than 150 people every year, according to Digital Trends.

The new Mountain Hub's snowpack probes can detect the subtle changes in pressure that are not evident from the surface. The probes can then alert skiers which sections are prone to slides, thus, allowing them avoid those areas and be safe in the backcountry.

 The Bluetooth connection and a custom app for iPhone and Android, allows the information to be displayed directly on the skier's smartphone.

The Scope poles hold a lot of potential for skiers, one of which is the probe being with skiers at all times and ready to provide important safety information.

Although, unfortunately for skiers the device is not yet available but it will make its official debut at the Outdoor Retailer convention that will take place in January at Salt Lake City and will not be available for purchase, until the fall of 2017 with an MSRP of $499. However, the pre-order is open for just $350.