Avalanche safety

With Snowcountry Highlights, we tell you more about the products of the season 2024 / 2025

In this article, we give more information on the different types of avalanche airbag systems on the market with advantages and disadvantages

Looking for an avalanche airbag, but not sure which one? With this buyer's guide, we'd like to help you get started!

Can you fly with an avalanche airbag? Or more specifically, can the cartridge, also known as the cylinder, of the avalanche airbag system go on an airplane? The answer to this question varies depending on the specific avalanche airbag system, the airline, and the location. IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines. IATA is an international trade organization for airlines. In their regulations, the following is stated regarding carrying an avalanche rescue backpack on the airplane: With the approval of the airline, an avalanche rescue backpack, one (1) per person, can be transported if it is equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing less than 200 mg net of Div. 1.4S and less than 250 mL of compressed gas in Div. 2.2. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves. This indicates that an avalanche airbag is allowed as long as it cannot be accidentally triggered. However, these are just guidelines for airlines, and an airline can always refuse your cartridge and/or avalanche airbag system. Ultimately, each airline has its own regulations. Therefore, make sure to check the rules of the specific airline through their website. Flying with the cartridges of your avalanche backpack. Cartridges are pressurized and are classified as dangerous items. According to IATA rules, one avalanche backpack and one cartridge per person can be carried on the airplane for all destinations except the U.S. Additionally, a cardridge can only be transported if it is: . transported together with the avalanche airbag in the provided avalanche airbag compartment, filled with Class 2.2 gas, packaged in a way that prevents accidental activation. Furthermore, the avalanche airbag system must have a pressure relief valve and airline approval is required

Going off-piste during winter sports? Then good avalanche gear is a must! This includes an avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, and possibly an avalanche backpack. In this article we tell you more about the avalanche beacon. The avalanche beacon helps locate someone who has been buried under the snow by an avalanche. A situation where every second counts!>