Avalanche safety

The minimum equipment you need for avalanche safety consists of three essentials: an avalanche beacon, avalanche shovel and avalanche probe. An avalanche beacon allows others to locate you if you are buried in an avalanche and lets you search for someone else who has been buried.

You then use the avalanche probe to pinpoint the person’s exact location under the snow. The avalanche shovel is used to dig them out as quickly as possible.

If you are caught in an avalanche, an avalanche airbag increases the chance that you stay closer to the surface instead of being buried deep under the snow. In that situation, an avalanche airbag can make a real difference.

An airbag never replaces the essential three-piece avalanche safety kit. You still need an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe, as well as the knowledge to use them properly.

Going off-piste safely requires more than just the right equipment. You also need to know how to read an avalanche forecast, assess terrain and snow conditions, and make informed decisions about your route.

If you don’t have that knowledge yet, head out with a mountain guide or someone with proven experience in avalanche safety.

Absolutely. Practising with an avalanche set is very important. Avalanche safety equipment only works properly if you know how to use it correctly, and that only comes with practice.

By practising regularly, you know how to act when it matters. Especially in the extremely stressful situation of an avalanche, practice can make all the difference, because every second counts.

With an avalanche beacon set, you get an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe in one go. This gives you the essential safety equipment you need when heading off-piste.

For extra safety, it is always a good idea to add an avalanche airbag to your avalanche set. An avalanche airbag can increase your chances of survival if you are caught in an avalanche.