Basic avalanche equipment is essential as soon as you leave the secured pistes. But just as skiing in open terrain requires a certain level of skill, you also need to know how to use avalanche transceiver equipment.
Avalanche transceivers
Avalanche transceivers, or avalanche transceivers for short, are a basic component of all freeride equipment. Just as you never leave the house naked, you never leave the slopes without an avalanche transceiver. Here we present the latest models. But first things first: The most important thing with avalanche transceivers is regular practice!
Avalanche transceivers - digital and analog devices
The choice has never been greater - the devices have never been better
Function Avalanche transceivers send and receive electromagnetic signals at a range of 20-80 m with a frequency of 457 KHZ. They can withstand temperatures from minus 30°C to +40°C. Avalanche transceivers are always transmitter-receiver devices, which means that as soon as the device is switched on, it is in transmission mode. If an avalanche accident occurs, you can switch to "receive" and search for and find the buried person.
- Digital and analog devices: There are digital and still some analog avalanche transceivers on the market. Some have both functions. "Analog" means that the search is based on acoustic localization. The closer you get to the buried victim, the louder the signal becomes. They also have an optical display, which makes the search easier, e.g. during storms. Analog devices are very reliable, but not as convenient as their digital counterparts. Good training is therefore essential!
- With "digital devices", the transmitter signal is processed digitally and the searcher is guided to the buried victim via the display. The distance and direction to the buried victim are displayed, which greatly simplifies the search. Often there are also additional functions, such as acoustic support or display of multiple burials. Regular practice is also necessary with digital devices!
Principles:
- Thorough study, testing and practice
- Regularly check the batteries
- Always wear directly on the body
- Function check in the morning, before the first lift or start of the tour (transmission and reception check!)
Avalanche shovels
A good avalanche shovel is a must. If you think you can do without it so that you can dig with your hands, snowboard or similar in an emergency, just try it out on an avalanche cone. Result: no chance!
A good avalanche shovel is made of metal and not plastic and is:
- unbreakable and stable,
- lightweight and can be dismantled,
- has a sufficiently large shovel blade,
- without sharp corners and edges so that you don't injure yourself if you fall,
- sits comfortably in the hand
Avalanche probe
An avalanche probe is basically a rod that can be plugged together with a metal tip at the front end. With the help of the probe, the search result is checked by the avalanche transceiver (position of the buried victim, burial depth). This means you don't have to start digging at random and saves crucial time. If the buried victim is not equipped with an avalanche transceiver, the probe is the only way(!) to search until organized rescue arrives.
Freeride backpacks
The selection of freeride backpacks is huge. From 15-70 liters of packing volume, there is everything you can imagine in terms of shapes and carrying systems. Some backpacks already have an integrated back protector. A good backpack is sturdy and durable, reasonably waterproof and comfortable to carry even when fully loaded. The zippers must also work well under load.
Here are some useful features for freeride backpacks:
- Hip and chest straps
- Solid carrying system
- Back protection
- Volume adjustment
- Attachment options for skis/snowboard, poles, ice axe
- Separate compartments for avalanche shovel blade/stick and probe
- Pocket and hose guide for hydration system
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