For ski mountaineers, freeride skiers or mixed- riders an avalanche beacon should be considered standard equipment. How to actually find the ideal device itself, not only to be well equipped in an emergency situation but to be able to respond quickly and efficiently? For those that intend to have fun in the snow and still want to return home safe and sound, requires certain know-how, regular training with equipment, a well-planned ski-tour route and the correct freeride, ski touring or snowshoe equipment. Basic knowledge is best acquired by attending an avalanche course and for a safe and solid ski tour the latest avalanche reports and a detailed area map an absolute must!
What are the essential take-along for ski-touring and freeriding?
- Two examples
Responsible backcountry skiers and freeride skiers principally never go on a ski-tour without an avalanche beacon, shovel, avalanche probe, mobile phone, bivy bag and a first aid kit. The avalanche beacon should necessarily be equipped with three antennas and marking in order to resolve multiple burial searches, safely and quickly. A shovel with a stable metal blade and an avalanche probe with a quick-release system is also recommended. Being the rescuer or searcher under emergency conditions can be extremely stressful and that is why regular practice and reliable equipment can assure the execution of a fast and effective rescue for avalanche victims.
Which avalanche beacon is the right one?
The current availability of beacons or transceivers on the market today can be roughly divided into three groups: Professional models, standard equipment and technically simpler devices. Both professional and standard devices provide the same essential basic functions that are important for a fast and successful victim search. It is recommended that ski-tourers have at least a standard device. The simple beacons are sufficient as a form of transmitting for victims buried, but not adequate enough for an effective and rapid recovery by search and rescue parties.
Why standard equipment is the norm for most ski-tourers or snowshoe hikers
Taking a worst-case scenario: An avalanche has just occurred and it becomes clear, that one of the ski members has gone missing. When such a drastic situation arises, stress and panic often control the thought and action process of those directly involved. In this case, an avalanche beacon must be intuitive to use, through regular training that provides users with a certain routine format. The correct operating keys must be found quickly, things need to operate smoothly, be operated with gloves and all functions of the device must be simple and self-explanatory.
What differences exist among standard beacon equipment?
The Pieps DSP Sport has very sensitive antennas and can localise weak transmission signals from buried victims even from a long distance. The Element Barryvox by Mammut allows a very quick and easy fine search via clear instructions and agreeable acoustic support The Ortovox 3+ has a SMART-ANTENNA-TECHNOLOGY – with intelligent position recognition that automatically switches to the best transmission antenna with a maximum transmission radius. All these options increase the chances of quickly being found by rescuers.
Regardless of the manufacturer, all support updates regardless of which device you purchase. With three receiving antennas that are necessary for a quick three-dimensional space search, all three standard beacons are technical of the latest standards. They also have the function of self-tests. The above differences will help you to decide according to your own preference which device is best suited to your own requirements. The decision is more about personal choice. All three beacons, without exception, have the ability to function quickly and safely.
Avalanche Beacons for professionals
Beacon devices for professionals have additional functions. Some devices can measure the slope or the transmission frequency for extended beacon checks. Additional extras can also be present, for example, a temperature gauge or the possibility of the vital functions of the victim. These are great technical features that are not necessary for an emergency avalanche rescue. Professional beacon devices are mainly used by mountain guides, tour guides and mountain rescue teams that constantly use and have the know-how to use these additional functions. There is a risk, that under the stress of an emergency, a normal ski-tourer may become confused with the extra functions.
- Examples
Simpler avalanche beacons need more practice and routine in order to find a victim quickly enough under stressful emergency conditions. None of the above basic devices has a marking function, and for many, three receiving antennas are not available. Even if a professional can be relatively quick with a simpler avalanche device, most skiers will need significantly more time than if they were using a more advanced device. Unfortunately, the buried victims don’t have this time!
Easy to use beacons
- Examples
Tips for using avalanche beacons
- Storing avalanche devices in summer: In summer months or in the periods in which the device is not in use, be sure to remove the batteries from the device. Leakage may occur and damage the unit.
- Wearing beacons on the body: The device must always be worn in the supplied carrying equipment or a sealable bag (zip). Backpacks or open pockets (incl velcro) during an avalanche can easily be torn off or became detached from the body. For searches, the device must also be attached to the body.
- Updating and upgrading beacons: At the beginning of the season, it makes sense to inquire about possible updates and upgrades from the manufacturer and if necessary to update the software.
- Switch off other technical devices: Smartphones, mobile phones and other technical devices can interfere with an avalanche beacon in an emergency and should be switched off or at least have a distance of 40 centimetres from the avalanche beacon itself. In case of an emergency call, these can be turned on. Tip: carry the PIN number separate and have it visible as well as in your mobile telephone or smartphone, in the case of an emergency when on a ski tour.
- More tips? Feel free to post your tips and suggestions in the comment field below!
Further reading about avalanche safety