TRACKER BEACONS

Skiing or snowboarding in unchartered territories without a tracker beacon? Bad idea! Because a tracker beacon, in the case of an avalanche, multiplies your chances to survive. This is why, alongside shovel, probe and airbag, a tracker beacon should be a firm component of your safety equipment, so that entombed people can be found as quickly as possible under an avalanche.

Avalanche Transceivers for Ski Touring & Freeride: Your Safety in Avalanche Terrain

Untouched powder, crisp mountain air, and pure freedom – those who venture into the backcountry while ski touring or freeriding experience the mountains at their most impressive. But once you leave secured slopes, the right safety gear is absolutely essential. An avalanche transceiver – also known as a beacon – is mandatory. In an emergency, it can mean the difference between life and death.

What Is an Avalanche Transceiver – and Which Brands Do We Carry?

An avalanche transceiver is your electronic lifesaver when it counts. It transmits a signal and, in search mode, can receive other signals – allowing you to quickly locate buried individuals or be found yourself. At Sport Conrad, you’ll find a wide selection of devices from trusted brands such as Ortovox, Pieps, Mammut, Arva, and BCA. Many models are also available as complete sets – including shovel and probe – giving you the full avalanche safety kit.

How Does an Avalanche Transceiver Work?

Every modern avalanche transceiver operates on the internationally standardized frequency of 457 kHz. There are two operating modes:

- Transmit mode: Activated at the start of the tour, it continuously sends a signal so that you can be located in case of burial.

- Search mode: Used when you are searching for someone else. The device shows you the direction, distance, and emits acoustic signals to guide you to another transceiver’s signal.

Many devices also feature a marking function, which allows you to “mark” already located victims in multiple-burial situations so you can continue searching for others. Another important safety feature is the auto-revert function, which automatically switches the device back from search to transmit mode if you are caught in a secondary avalanche.

How an Avalanche Search Works in an Emergency

A slide has occurred. Now, every second counts to locate and rescue buried victims – each moment can significantly increase survival chances. Here’s how the search process works step by step:

- Signal search: In the first phase, move systematically across the avalanche debris with your device in search mode, following a grid pattern until you pick up the first signal.

- Coarse search: Once a signal is detected, follow the arrows and distance indicators on the display to approach the victim’s location.

- Fine search: Within about ten meters of the signal, slow down and use the cross method to precisely determine the strongest signal area.

- Pinpointing with a probe: Use the avalanche probe to puncture the snow vertically in regular intervals until you locate the exact burial point.

- Excavation with a shovel: Once pinpointed, begin digging quickly and efficiently with your avalanche shovel – every second matters now.

The better you train these steps, the faster and more effective you’ll be in an emergency. That’s why the golden rule is: practice, practice, practice!

Technical Tips: What to Look for When Buying

Regular function checks and software updates are essential for the reliability of your avalanche transceiver and its features. Some models can be updated via USB or Bluetooth – extending their lifespan and ensuring maximum safety.

Modern avalanche transceivers are true high-tech tools. When buying, pay attention to the following tips:

- Three antennas: Make sure your device has three antennas, as this is crucial for precise location regardless of burial position.

- Marking function: A must-have in multiple burial situations, as it allows you to “mark” already located signals and continue the search more efficiently.

- Auto-revert function: If you’re caught in an avalanche while searching, the device automatically switches back to transmit mode – a vital safety feature.

- Intuitive operation: Your device should be easy to handle even with gloves on, featuring clearly visible buttons and a well-structured display.

- Software update capability: Many manufacturers offer regular software updates to keep your device up to date with the latest technology.

- Function check: Perform a function test before every tour to ensure your device reliably sends and receives.

Technical Tips: What to Look for When Buying

Do’s & Don’ts When Using Avalanche Transceivers for Ski Tourers and Freeriders

Do’s – What You Should Always Do

- Carry the device on your body: Always wear your avalanche transceiver close to your body under the outermost clothing layer or in the supplied harness, so it won’t get lost in case of a burial.

- Check battery level before every tour: Test the battery at home and replace if needed – or take spare batteries with you.

- Remove batteries during long storage: If you don’t use your device for a longer period, take out the batteries to prevent corrosion and damage.

- Perform a group transceiver check before the tour: Test all devices together to make sure they can transmit and receive properly.

- Switch to search mode immediately after an avalanche: If an avalanche occurs and you are not buried, change your device to search mode right away.

Don’ts – What to Avoid

- Don’t carry the device in your backpack: Backpacks can be ripped away in an avalanche, leaving your transceiver useless.

- Avoid direct contact with electronic devices: Keep your transceiver at least 20 cm away from smartphones, radios, or cameras, as they can interfere with the signal.

- Don’t ignore a low battery: Never start a tour with weak batteries – a device without power is worthless in an emergency.

- Don’t rely on theory alone: An unpracticed user is a risk. Only regular training ensures you can react safely and effectively in a real emergency.

Do’s & Don’ts When Using Avalanche Transceivers for Ski Tourers and Freeriders

Group Transceiver Check: A Must Before Every Tour

- Check device function in transmit mode: Make sure every avalanche transceiver in the group is sending a signal and working correctly before heading into the backcountry.

- Test reception with a partner device: Use another transceiver to confirm that your own signal can be received – this proves you can be located in an emergency and increases survival chances.

- Check for interference: Ensure that no sources of disturbance, such as smartphones or radios, are affecting the signal – stable reception is essential.

- Test as a group: Use the group-check function together to confirm that all devices are transmitting and properly set up.

- Fix problems immediately: If a device does not transmit or receive properly, it must be checked, repaired, or replaced right away – a malfunction should never be ignored.

Avalanche Transceiver Knowledge: Did You Know …?

The history of avalanche transceivers goes back to 1968, when the first device was developed at Cornell University in the USA. It was called Skadi and marked a true milestone in alpine safety technology.

Only a few years later, in 1971, Mammut launched the first European device – the legendary Barryvox. To this day, the name stands for reliability in emergencies.

Since those early models, technology has evolved dramatically: simple analog devices with a single antenna have become digital high-tech tools with three antennas, wide search strips, marking functions, and intuitive handling. Today, avalanche transceivers are lighter, more precise, more user-friendly than ever – and equipped with a wide range of useful features.

Group Transceiver Check: A Must Before Every Tour

FAQs About Avalanche Transceivers

When Do I Need an Avalanche Transceiver?

You need an avalanche transceiver whenever you go into unsecured backcountry terrain – for example, while ski touring, freeriding, or snowshoeing in alpine areas. It is mandatory equipment as soon as there is any avalanche risk.

How Often Should I Practice With It?

Regular practice is essential. At a minimum, you should train searching, marking, and rescuing with your transceiver once per season, ideally before your first tour weekend. Even better: take an avalanche safety course with alpine clubs such as the DAV or ÖAV, or with a mountain school, and refresh your knowledge every year.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

In transmit mode, an avalanche transceiver battery usually lasts up to 200 hours. Still, always check the battery level before every tour and replace it in time if necessary.

Where Can I Buy an Avalanche Transceiver?

You can get your avalanche transceiver at Sport Conrad – both online and in our stores. We offer single devices as well as practical complete sets including shovel and probe – perfect for your next ski tour.