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 at SportConrad

Avalanche transceivers should be part of every winter sports enthusiast’s standard equipment, especially when venturing off safe and groomed slopes. In the event of an avalanche, you often have only a few seconds to act. If someone is buried and needs your help, it is not only crucial to have your avalanche transceiver with you but also to know how to use it. At Sport Conrad, we not only offer a wide range of avalanche transceivers but also explain everything you need to know about them.

What is an avalanche transceiver?

An avalanche transceiver, also known as an beacon, is designed to help locate people who have been buried under snow. That’s why it is an essential piece of equipment for ski tourers, snowboarders, and freeriders. An avalanche transceiver is an electronic device that should be worn directly on your body. Its function is simple: it transmits and receives radio signals, sending out a signal approximately once per second. If someone is caught in an avalanche and buried, their companions and rescuers can switch their transceivers to search mode to detect the signal and, ideally, locate the buried person.

What else is part of a complete safety kit?

When venturing off secured slopes, it is essential to carry a complete safety kit. Avalanches often occur suddenly and unexpectedly, making every second count. To maximize your chances of survival, you should always have the following items with you: an avalanche transceiver, a probe, a shovel, and an avalanche backpack.

To stay safe, we provide everything you need for a complete safety kit right here. We also offer practical complete sets that equip you fully with just one click.

When do I need an avalanche transceiver?

In general, there is no universal requirement to carry an avalanche transceiver. Only in Italy, in areas with avalanche risk, is it legally required to carry standard equipment consisting of a shovel, probe, and transceiver. However, it is strongly recommended to have a complete safety kit whenever you leave secured slopes. Whether you are freeriding, backcountry skiing, or snowshoeing - once you leave secured zones, you should play it safe and carry full safety equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and avalanche backpack.

How do I use an avalanche transceiver?

First of all, it’s important to understand that not all avalanche transceivers function the same way. That’s why you should always familiarize yourself with your device’s user manual. While reading instructions may seem tedious, it is essential when it comes to your avalanche transceiver. Carefully read through the manual and conduct at least one (or preferably several) test runs at home.

The key rule: You can only use your avalanche transceiver effectively if you practice regularly.

A buried person’s chances of survival are highest within the first 10–15 minutes after being buried. This means that in an emergency, you must be confident in using your device - otherwise, it may be useless.

Example representation of a buried victim search

How does an avalanche transceiver work in an emergency?

We’ve already explained that an avalanche transceiver sends and receives signals. It operates in two modes: transmit mode and search mode. Transmit mode ensures that the device continuously sends signals, allowing it to be detected by other transceivers in search mode. Search mode is used to locate signals, which is indicated by a beeping sound. Additionally, an arrow appears on the device’s screen, pointing in the direction of the signal. If an avalanche occurs, you and your partners should immediately switch your devices to search mode. Using the signal sound and directional arrow, you must locate the buried person as quickly as possible. However, it’s important to understand that searching and finding a buried person is not always as straightforward as it sounds in theory. In some cases, multiple people may be buried at the same time, requiring more advanced search techniques. Different avalanche transceivers have various modes for handling such situations. That’s why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the functions and modes of your specific device before heading into the backcountry.

Check Before You Go

Before hitting the slopes and immersing yourself in the vast snowy landscape, it’s crucial to perform a partner or group check. Here’s how it works:

All group members switch their devices to search mode.
Choose one person to switch their device to transmit mode.
The person in transmit mode moves away from the group. The other group members pass by the transmitter one by one at a certain distance.
If everyone receives a signal, the check was successful. (Don’t forget to also test the transmitter afterward!)

This is what makes a good avalanche transceiver

If you're looking for an avalanche transceiver, there are several factors to consider when making a purchase. Of course, aspects like ease of use, accuracy, and the speed of the device should play a major role. However, you should also keep these features in mind:

Antennas: A transceiver with multiple antennas, ideally three, allows for more precise location tracking.

Display: With avalanche transceivers, it’s not just about functionality but also intuitive operation. A clear, easy-to-use display can help you save valuable time in an emergency.

Range: A longer range enables your device to pick up signals earlier.

Different modes: Features such as multiple burial search (also known as group check mode), auto-search-to-send, and a marking function can be extremely useful in various emergency situations.

Ultimately, which features you prioritize in an avalanche transceiver is a personal decision. However, keep in mind that an avalanche beacon can save not only your life but also the lives of your companions, so investing in a high-quality model is strongly recommended.

How do I find the right avalanche transceiver for my next tour?

As explained in the previous section, there are several features and characteristics to consider when purchasing a new avalanche transceiver. However, you should also distinguish between a standard device and a professional model.

Standard Devices

Standard devices include all the essential functions of an avalanche transceiver, making them ideal for searching for and locating buried individuals as well as transmitting signals. Many models also offer additional modes, such as fine search, a marking function, and more.

Basic Devices

Basic avalanche transceivers are not only easy to use but also budget-friendly. They include all the standard functions of a transceiver but may have some limitations, such as reduced range or the absence of advanced features like the marking function. This option is particularly suitable for skiers and snowboarders looking for an affordable device.

Professional Devices

Professional avalanche transceivers, in addition to the standard features, come with several special functions that can be particularly helpful in an emergency. For example, some devices can determine the slope angle or display the vital signs of a buried person. However, it's important to note that most professional devices should only be used by mountain guides and rescuers. More additional features can lead to more time and confusion in an emergency, which is why most ski tourers and others should opt for standard models.

Find your avalanche transceiver at Sport Conrad!

An avalanche transceiver should definitely be part of your standard avalanche equipment. Because safety comes first off the groomed slopes! In our online shop, you'll find numerous avalanche transceivers from well-known brands like Pieps, Ortovox, Mammut, BCA and more. You'll find everything you need for off the slopes here here. But we offer many other items as well, from avalanche transceivers to ski pants, we have all the gear you need.