AVALANCHE FAQ
Avalanche safety gear... How it will help me?
Basic avalanche safety gear consists of an avalanche transceiver (alsocalled a beacon), a shovel, and probe poles. The chance of survival in an avalanche significantly improves if you and your friends carry transceivers and gear and know how to use this equipment properly
Traveling in avalanche terrain requires safety gear and knowledge.
An avalanche transceiver, shovel, and a probe pole are the three most important pieces of safety gear that are necessary for an increased chance of successful avalanche rescue. Along with those 3 pieces of gear you also should a carry survival blanket in case an avalanche victim is hurt. Your partners may not be able to move you if are badly injured and staying warm will keep you from going into hypothermia. A first-aid kit (at least one in a group), and some extra clothes and a good ski pack to carry all your gear also essential. Off course being prepared and knowing how to use the equipment is crucial and we suggest taking an avalanche course.Get an Avalanche gear check list.
Avalanche Transceiver / Beacon... What is a Transceiever used for?
An avalanche transceiver is an electronic device that transmits radio signals up to around 40-50m radius depending on conditions. When an avalanche occurs, members of the party first assess the situation to see if it is safe to go into the avalanche terrain to perform a rescue. If it is safe, searchers switch there transceivers to receive mode and the signal from the buried person can then be received by the transceiver switched to search mode. This helps to increase the initial time of finding and rescuing the avalanche victims. Once the victim is located by the transceiver to the closest range possible, the searcher will then use a probe pole to further pin point the buried victim. Shop for an avalanche transceiver.
Avalanche probe pole... What is it used for?
An avalanche probe pole is used to pin-point an exact location of the victim once the victim was located by the transceiver. The probe pole is a multi-section pole thin aluminum pole that is put together. This pole is used to break thru the layers of snow easily and allows you to have a better picture of the position and depth of the victim that is buried under the snow. Shop for an avalanche probe pole.
Avalanche snow shovels... What is there purpose?
An avalanche shovel is usually a light weight small shovel made of metal or tough plastic. The shovel is used to dig the victim out of an avalanche in case of burial. Also a shovel ia for digging a snow pit to do a snow profile test. This should always be done before making any decision to enter into mountain avalanche prone terrain. Also, a shovel in a rescue situation could be used to dig a snow cave for shelter while others in party go for help. Shop for a avalanche shovel.
Heli-skiing... Do I need safety gear?
Heli-Skiing exposes you to the same risk as any other winter backcountry activity and you should have the basic safety gear with you such as avalanche transceiver, a probe pole, and a shovel. Most Heli-Skiing ski tour operators provide this gear and usually give you a very basic use of the equipment. Check with each operator to see what gear, if any, you will need to provide on your trip. Search for Heli-ski operators Review.
Which companies make avalanche (backcountry) safety gear?
Listed below are some of the companies you can find on the market. Here are a few links of gear sold by these manufacturers.
Avalanche transceivers / Beacons
Ortovox
Mammut
Probe Poles
G3
Life-Link
Mammut
Ortovox
Avalanche Shovels
G3
Life-Link
Mammut
Ortovox
Ski Packs
Life-Link
Mammut
Ortovox
First Aid / Emergency Blankets / Bivi Bags
LifeLine
Ortovox
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