Avalanche Beacons & Gear

Essential Gear for Backcountry Avalanche Safety

It's essential for skiers and snowboarders who venture off-piste and into the backcountry to be equipped with avalanche gear. The three most crucial items are an avalanche beacon, avalanche probe, and avalanche shovel. Equally vital is the user's training in handling this equipment during an avalanche. All these items can be stored in a ski backpack, which can be securely fastened to your body.

Using Avalanche Gear

The best way to become adept with avalanche gear is by attending a course conducted by a professional. This section offers a straightforward overview of each piece of equipment and its purpose.

Avalanche Beacon

Worn close to the body, avalanche beacons emit continuous radio signals detectable by other beacons. To locate a body under the snow, beacons can be switched to “search mode” to help pinpoint the body through the desired radio signal.

Avalanche Probe

This tool ascertains the precise location and depth of a body beneath the snow. It resembles a collapsible tent-pole that is inserted into the snow to determine the skier's position.

Avalanche Shovel

Designed for digging out a skier, the shovel typically features a detachable handle, making it easy to pack in a backpack.

Airbag Packs

An additional piece of safety equipment that's beneficial to have is an airbag pack. Worn as a backpack, it can be activated by pulling a handle, rapidly inflating the airbag using compressed air or a fan. This added air volume assists the skier in remaining atop the moving snow and avalanche debris, thereby reducing the likelihood of getting buried.

For additional details and products for backcountry skiing, visit - Alpine Touring Skis.