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RECCO Avalanche Rescue System - what is it?

RECCO is a two-part avalanche rescue system that is utilized by more than 500 rescue organizations worldwide. More than 100 North American ski resorts, heli-skiing companies and search and rescue organizations now use RECCO technology.

This avalanche rescue system is NOT intended for self-rescue nor it is an alternative to avalanche beacon use in the backcountry. The two parts of the system are the RECCO reflectors and detectors. Reflectors are integrated into commercially available apparel, helmets, protection gear or boots and weigh less than four grams. Detectors are used by professional rescue groups and weigh around 1.6kg.

Advantages

The RECCO rescue system is an additional tool that does not interfere with other rescue methods such as avalanche dogs, transceiver searches or probe lines. "Since it operates with a heightened frequency, the system functions with exceptional directional accuracy," claims the RECCO website. Once an initial signal is picked-up, the searcher does not need to follow flux lines, like with an avalanche transceiver, and is led directly to the burial. This reduces search times and provides pinpoint accuracy thus significantly increasing chances of survival.

RECCO Avalanche Rescue System
This reflector is usually integrated in clothing.	Detector locates anyone with RECCO reflector.

Another major advantage of the the system is that since the reflector is integrated into clothing, helmets, ski boots and protection gear, it requires no action on the part of the individual skier or snowboarder to function properly. The RECCO system does not require any additional investments or training on the consumer's side which makes it ideal for a wide spectrum of users.

The RECCO reflector is non-powered, never needs to be switched on, will never loose signal strength and doesn't need any batteries to function. All of this makes the RECCO an exceptional avalanche rescue system because its straightforward design prevents potential user error and ensures an efficient avalanche rescue operation.

RECCO system use

We believe that anything that can increase your chances of survival in a case of an avalanche accident should be used. But ultimately, the biggest part of this "anything" is your knowledge, experience and attitude because these rather prevent avalanche incidents than try to help after the damage is done.

If you are solely a ski area rider or "close to ski area" backcountry skier RECCO reflector should be sufficient as an avalanche rescue tool. Of course, only if that ski area utilizes the system. But keep in mind that with just the RECCO reflectors self-rescue is not possible.

However, if you are a true backcountry skier or a snowboarder the number one search and rescue tools are still avalanche airbag, beacon, probe and shovel.

To learn more about the system visit RECCO's website or shop at our store for avalanche safety gear.

Note: RECCO is a registered trademark. All images are property of RECCO Avalanche Rescue System.

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