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FAQ's and Tips

Avalanche safety gear

1. What is avalanche safety gear and how it will help me?
The basic avalanche safety gear consists of an avalanche transceiver, a probe, and a shovel. These three things can significantly improve chances of survival if someone from your party (equipped with this gear) gets buried by an avalanche and you and your friends know how to use this equipment.
To learn more about transceiver, probe, shovel, and how they work see also General Q's & A's. [ top ]

2. What safety gear should I use when backcountry skiing or traveling?
An avalanche beacon, an avalanche probe, and a shovel are the three most important pieces of safety gear that is necessary for any chance of successful avalanche rescue. Along with those you should always cary survival blanket, first-aid kit (at least one in a group) and some extra clothes. And off course you need skills how to use it all. [ top ]

3. What is an avalanche beacon or a transceiver?
Avalanche beacon or transceiver is an electronic device that sends signals to around 40-50m radius when switched into send mode that can be picked up by another transceiver that is switched to search mode. It serves as an initial toll when rescuing avalanche victims.
Once the victim is located by the transceiver to the closest range possible the probe starts to play its role. Shop for an avalanche beacon. [ top ]

4. What is an avalanche probe?
Avalanche probe is a device that is used to pin-point an exact location of the victim once the victim was located by the transceiver. The probe looks like a long, very thin stick that can break thru the layers of snow easily and it will give you a clear picture of the depth and position where the victim is buried under the snow. Shop for an avalanche probe. [ top ]

5. What is an avalanche or snow shovel?
Avalanche shovel is essentially a small shovel made of metal or tough plastic. It is used to dig the victim out of avalanche in case of burry. It is also used for snow profile test along with a probe. In case of storm you can use it to dig yourself a shelter. Shop for a snow shovel. [ top ]

6. Do I need safety gear if heli-skiing?
Absolutely, heli-skiing exposes you to the same danger as any other winter backcountry activity therefore you should have the basic safety gear such as an avalanche transceiver, a probe, and a shovel. [ top ]

7. Which companies manufacture avalanche (backcountry) safety gear?
Listed below are some of the companies you can find on the market.
Avalanche beacons:

• Mammut
• Ortovox
• BCA
• Pieps - Stubai Bergsport

• Ortovox
• BCA
• Life-Link
• G3

• Life-Link
• G3
• BCA
• Ortovox

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