Be Educated
Be Equipped
Be Searchable
Every second counts in an avalanche rescue. RECCO® Technology is a tool for professional rescuers to help locate buried victims; enabling professional rescuers to find victims within minutes. Members in your party will be the first to start searching so always BE EQUIPPED with an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.
Be Educated
Knowledge and information are essential to preventing avalanche accidents. Being educated on avalanche safety and understanding the snowpack in your area can help reduce the risk of being in an avalanche. If you are unsure of your ability to travel in avalanche prone terrain, stay on marked ski runs and consider hiring a professionally certified guide.
When accessing avalanche terrain, it is recommended that:
YOU HAVE TAKEN AVALANCHE SAFETY COURSES
Education and training are critical to good decision making and avoiding more dangerous terrain.
YOU HAVE CHECKED THE DAILY AVALANCHE ADVISORY FOR YOUR AREA
Professionals in your area can help inform you on your local snowpack. Snowpack changes daily and advisories can help you plan your route.
YOU TRAVEL WITH EXPERIENCED PEOPLE
Experienced partners can help select less dangerous slopes and help in making the decision to walk away from a slope.
YOU PRACTICE AND ARE CONFIDENT USING YOUR RESCUE EQUIPMENT
Knowing how to use your beacon, setting up and knowing how to use your probe and proper digging protocol can make all the difference if involved in a rescue situation.
LEARN MORE
Read our safety booklet The Plan for more safety recommendations
"Use all means to be found in an avalanche."
Be Equipped
Avalanche safety equipment will not protect you from avalanches. Wherever you are skiing, having the right equipment and knowing how to use it can significantly increase your chances of survival should an avalanche occur.
When accessing avalanche terrain it is recommended that you carry and are confident using the following rescue equipment:
AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER / PROBE POLE / SHOVEL
Companion rescue kit to locate and dig out anyone involved in an avalanche.
RECCO® REFLECTOR(S)
Always BE SEARCHABLE by professional rescuers. More reflectors increase the chances of being located by a professional in the event of an avalanche burial.
AVALANCHE AIRBAG
Increases the chance of staying on top of the snow should an avalanche occur.
HELMET
Helps protect against impacts associated with an avalanche.
FIRST AID KIT
Care for injuries prior to the arrival of professional rescuers.
CELL PHONE
Call for help and/or notify your local avalanche center of ANY avalanche.
Freerider's Routine
