Even experienced mountain sports enthusiasts and ski tourers are not shielded from an avalanche. In order to keep the risk to a minimum and to act correctly in an emergency, it is essential to equip yourself with the necessary avalanche equipment and to know how to use it properly.
Avalanche transceiver
The avalanche transceiver (a device for searching for people buried by an avalanche) is the heart of any avalanche equipment and there is no way around it. In recent years quite a lot has happened on the technical side and the devices are being improved all the time. Avalanche transceivers with three-antenna technology are the state of the art and offer clear advantages during a search. You should also make sure that the batteries the manufacturer recommends are used and that they are taken out of the device at the end of the season, in order to prevent battery acid from leaking inside the device.
Avalanche probe
Even though the position of a buried person can be determined very precisely with modern avalanche transceivers, a final pinpointing with the help of the probe is recommended before you start digging. A probe should be at least 240 cm long, have a tensioning mechanism and be quick to assemble.
Avalanche shovel
Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel form one unit, and the interplay of these 3 items prevents a loss of time in an emergency. When buying a shovel, the focus should not be on the weight but on how robust and how handy it is. With a robust, larger shovel you can dig considerably better and considerably faster.
Avalanche backpack
An avalanche backpack is worth recommending above all for sporty ski tourers & freeriders. It consists of a normal backpack and an integrated airbag. When it is triggered, the airbag inflates immediately. In the best case the athlete is not buried and there is therefore a chance of being found faster.
The best equipment, however, is only half as valuable without the right handling. That is why handling the avalanche equipment has to be practised again and again, in order to act quickly and safely in an emergency. We therefore strongly recommend taking an avalanche course. Even though such a course naturally cannot prepare you 100 % for every possible situation, the information passed on there can help when it really matters. Together with the right equipment and a healthy respect for the mountains and for nature, that leaves you very well set up in terms of safety for your next ski tour.
Related at Mountainspirit: Avalanche safety, Service in Bolzano
