€ Sign in
Contact
Alpine Skiing
Ski touring
Cross-country skiing
Snowboarding
Snow activities
Mountaineering
Climbing
Camping
Survival
Hiking
Trail
Running
Road biking
Mountain biking
Canyoning
Lifestyle
Avalanche safety equipment
Choose your avalanche safety equipment from the best brands - at the best price - Express delivery
Importance of Avalanche Safety Equipment
Backcountry skiing and mountaineering entail risks, of which avalanches are the most formidable. For mountain enthusiasts, having the right avalanche safety equipment is essential to minimize these risks and ensure rapid intervention in the event of an accident. Avalanche safety equipment includes a variety of indispensable tools such as avalanche transceivers (ATDs), probes, shovels and airbags. This equipment not only prevents avalanches, but is crucial for search and rescue in the event of an incident.
Essential Avalanche Safety Equipment
For optimum safety in the mountains, three main items should always be included in your equipment: avalanche transceiver (ATD), probe and shovel.
-
Avalanche rescue transceiver (ARD ): The ARD is an indispensable piece of equipment for any off-piste outing. It can locate people buried under snow by transmitting and receiving signals. It's crucial to choose an avalanche transceiver that's easy to use, has a good range and a clear interface. Proper training in its use is also essential to ensure its effectiveness in emergency situations.
-
Probe: The probe is used to pinpoint the exact location of a buried victim after a transceiver has identified its approximate position. Probes are generally made of aluminum or carbon, offering a good compromise between lightness and robustness. They must be easy to deploy and long enough to cover a significant depth of snow.
-
Shovel: The shovel is used to clear snow and free buried victims. A good shovel should be light, durable and easy to assemble. Telescopic models are particularly practical, offering compact storage and sufficient length for efficient use.
Other safety equipment and training
In addition to basic equipment, other devices can increase safety in the mountains. Airbags are becoming increasingly popular among off-piste skiers and snowboarders. These bags are equipped with inflatable systems which, in the event of an avalanche, increase the chances of staying on the surface of the snow. They are available in a variety of formats, to suit different disciplines and personal preferences.
Training in the use of this equipment is just as important as the equipment itself. Attending avalanche safety training courses and practising regularly with your equipment are essential to ensure that you can react quickly and appropriately when the need arises. What's more, acquiring knowledge of how to read avalanche bulletins and understand weather and snow conditions is crucial to any outing in the mountains.
Avalanche safety equipment is an essential investment for any backcountry skier or mountaineer. Choosing the right equipment, and being properly trained in its use, maximizes your chances of survival and rescue in the event of an incident. Specialist stores offer a wide range of avalanche safety equipment to suit all skill levels and mountain activities.
