Avalanche Backcountry Gear Essentials

Skiers and snowboarders who venture off-piste and into the backcountry are always advised to carry avalanche gear with them. The three most crucial pieces of equipment are an avalanche beacon, avalanche probe, and avalanche shovel. Equally important is that the user has been trained to use this equipment in case of an avalanche. All of this gear can be stored in a ski backpack that can be securely strapped to your body.

How To Use Avalanche Gear

The best way to learn how to use avalanche gear is to take a course led by a professional. This section provides a simple breakdown of what each piece of equipment is used for.

Avalanche Beacon

Avalanche beacons are worn close to the body and emit continuous radio signals that can be detected by other beacons. When searching for a body under snow, beacons can be switched to “search mode” to help locate a body by receiving the desired radio signal.

Avalanche Probe

The probe is used to find the exact location and depth of the body under the snow. It is similar to a foldable tent-pole that you can poke into the snow to feel where the skier is.

Avalanche Shovel

Digging out a skier is what the shovel is used for. They are generally designed with an attachable shovel handle, so they can easily fit in a backpack.

Airbag Packs

Another piece of safety gear that is very useful to have is an airbag pack. Worn as a backpack, this can be activated by pulling on a handle to quickly inflate the airbag using compressed air or a fan. The additional mass of air helps the skier stay on top of the moving snow and avalanche debris, reducing the chances of getting buried.

For more information and products used for backcountry skiing, visit - Alpine Touring Skis.