This isn't something you would want to do for a lot of up and down skiing, but it works in a pinch. Keep this in mind if a skin fails too. It makes sense to have some extra clothes, extra food a small first aid kit, a map and compass, a knife, some matches and firestarter, a whistle, a mirror and maybe a few other basic things for safety. See any book on hiking for good lists on safety equipment. When you are skiing in avalanche terrain, you must always carry a sturdy snow shovel.
Lightweight shovels are available from many manufacturers and they are inexpensive.
So buy one. Shovels are made of aluminum or plastic. Both are adequate, but many people would prefer that you to have an aluminum shovel. A persistent and untrue rumor is that metal shovels can interfere with beacon signals. See for the test .