Avalanche safety

Avalanche safety: essential equipment for your mountain outings

When you're out in the mountains, particularly when you're ski touring or off-piste, avalanche safety is a priority. It's crucial to be well-equipped with the right gear to deal with the dangers of avalanches. To ensure the safety of skiers and their companions, a complete avalanche safety pack is essential. This usually includes an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. This basic trio makes it possible to search for and locate buried victims in the event of an avalanche.

Avalanche safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe

The avalanche transceiver, also known as an ARVA, is a device that transmits and receives a radio signal, enabling it to locate a buried person. Regular training in its use is essential to mastering emergency search techniques. The shovel and probe complete the system, enabling the victim to be precisely located and freed. The probe is used to detect the depth of burial, while the shovel enables the snow to be cleared quickly.

Airbag backpacks: A plus for your safety

Complementing the avalanche transceiver-shovel-probe pack, the airbag backpack is a safety device that can increase your chances of survival in the event of an avalanche. This bag is equipped with a system that, by pulling on a handle, triggers the inflation of the airbag, increasing the skier's volume to stay on the surface of the snow. Modern airbag backpacks are often lightweight and can carry all the equipment needed for a ski touring outing. The compressed-air cartridges or electronic systems used to inflate the airbag must be checked before each tour to ensure they are working properly.

Choosing the right avalanche safety equipment

The choice of avalanche safety equipment depends on the type of skiing you do (ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, etc.) and the level of risk in the area. A complete safety package, including avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and airbag, is recommended. Each item has an essential role to play in rescue operations, and can make all the difference in the event of an incident.

Training: An essential step for your safety

Having the best equipment isn't enough: it's essential to undergo training to learn how to use avalanche safety equipment correctly. Specific courses are organized to teach victim search and rescue techniques. Good training prepares you to intervene effectively when needed, and to better understand the dangers of the mountains.

Avalanche safety, a must for off-piste skiing

Avalanche safety is a top priority for off-piste skiers and tourers. Snow conditions can change rapidly, making the mountains unpredictable. Having the right equipment, knowing rescue techniques and knowing how to assess risks are all essential to enjoying the mountains in complete safety.