How does an avalanche beacon work?

In short, an avalanche beacon has two modes: transmit and receive. When you're off-piste, everyone in your group should have their avalanche beacon set to transmit. If someone in the group gets caught in an avalanche, all the others switch their beacons to receive or search mode. The avalanche beacon then starts searching for the signal being transmitted by the beacon that's on transmit. A simple navigation system guides you to the location of the person buried under the snow.

The three unity: avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel

Having just an avalanche beacon isn't enough. Once the avalanche beacon leads you to the approximate location, you'll need a probe to pinpoint the exact spot. After that, you'll use a shovel to dig the person out from under the snow as quickly as possible. If you're thinking you can just dig with your hands, keep in mind that after an avalanche, someone could be buried several feet deep.

Statistics show that if an avalanche victim is rescued within the first 15 minutes, the chances of survival are relatively high. Beyond that, the chances of survival drop significantly. So, the time you have to rescue someone buried in the snow is very limited!

Source: https://www.ortovox.com/en/safety-academy-lab-snow/04-avalanche-rescue/avalanche-burial-victims

What's the best avalanche beacon?

A common question we receive is, "What's the best avalanche beacon?" In our opinion, the best avalanche beacon is the one you're most experienced with, the one you've practiced using. When you need an avalanche beacon, it's usually a stressful situation. The more experience you have with the beacon, the easier and faster you can operate it.

What to consider when buying an avalanche beacon

But what if you have no experience with an avalanche beacon? Which one should you choose? In essence, all avalanche beacons are designed to be as user-friendly as possible, so you can operate them intuitively. However, when making a purchase, there are some factors to consider. The most important is to think about which one you find the easiest to use.

Screen size

These days, almost every avalanche beacon has a screen. Typically, a larger screen is more user-friendly because everything on it is larger and easier to read.

Beacon's navigation system

Every avalanche beacon displays the direction you need to go and how many meters you are from the victim. Some navigation systems not only show you the way but also use audio signals to indicate if you're getting closer to the victim. Ortovox has even introduced a beacon with voice navigation.

Search range (search strip width)

Most avalanche beacons have a search range of about 50 meters, indicating how far the receiver can detect a signal. Some beacons have a larger search range, up to 80 meters or even more in analog mode.

Battery life and type

Another aspect is battery life. In principle, all avalanche beacons are designed for use in cold conditions, but temperature always affects battery life. Most avalanche beacons work with alkaline batteries, which generally offer the most reliability in cold temperatures. However, more beacons are now compatible with lithium batteries, which can extend battery life. Keep in mind that beacons with lithium batteries may be less accurate in indicating the battery percentage. Ortovox has also introduced two beacons that work with a rechargeable battery.

Important: Never use rechargeable batteries in an avalanche beacon.

Avalanche Beacon Brand Search strip width (m) Battery type + duration (in search mode) Bluetooth Size (mm) Weight (grams) Updates
Barryvox Mammut 70 Alkaline (300 hours) / Lithium (350 hours) No 115 x 67 x 27 270 Transceiver-to-transceiver or service center
Barryvox S Mammut 70 Alkaline (300 hours) No 115 x 67 x 27 210 Transceiver-to-transceiver or service center
Barryvox S2 (NEW) Mammut 70 Alkaline (250 hours) / Lithium (350 hours) Yes   180 Via Mammut app
Barryvox 2 (NEW) Mammut 70 Alkaline (250 hours) No   180 Via Mammut app
Diract Ortovox 50 Battery (200 hours) Yes 79 x 120 x 23 210 Via Ortovox app, Ortovox dealer, or service center
Diract voice Ortovox 50 Battery (200 hours) Yes 79 x 120 x 23 210 Via Ortovox app, Ortovox dealer, or service center
Neo BT Pro Arva 80 Alkaline (350 hours) / Lithium (450 hours) Yes 72 x 116 x 24 214 Via ARVA app
Evo 5 Arva 50 Alkaline (200 hours) No 111 x 72 x 20 170 Via ARVA service center
Evo 4 Arva 40 Alkaline (250 hours) No 135 x 80 x 28 220 Via ARVA service center
Evo BT Arva 60 Alkaline (350 hours) / Lithium (450 hours) Yes   198 Via ARVA app
Evo 5+ Arva 50 Alkaline (200 hours) No 111 x 72 x 20 160  
Tracker 4 BCA 50 Alkaline (250 hours) No 120 x 75 x 26 215 Download software online
Tracker S BCA 50 Alkaline (250 hours) No 115 x 71 x 26 165 Download software online
Recon X Black Diamond 60 Alkaline (200 hours) No 115 x 75 x 28 210 Via Pieps app
Guide BT
 Black Diamond 60 Alkaline (400 hours) / Lithium (600 hours) Yes 115 x 75 x 28 225 Via Pieps app
Recon LT Black Diamond 50 Alkaline (200 hours) Yes 115 x 75 x 26 136 Via Pieps app
Powder BT
 Pieps 60 Alkaline (300 hours) Yes 118 x 76 x 29 220 Via Pieps app
Pro BT Pieps 60 Alkaline (400 hours) / Lithium (600 hours) Yes 118 x 76 x 29 230 Via Pieps app

 

Standard features of avalanche beacons

All avalanche beacons at Snowcountry come with the following features:

  • Three antennas for precise victim location.
  • Multiple burial support for searching for multiple victims. This means the beacon can suppress a found signal, allowing you to flag it, so you can continue searching for other victims.
  • Switch to transmit: This function automatically switches the beacon from search mode to transmit mode. For example, if you're searching and get caught in a second avalanche, the beacon will automatically switch to transmit mode.
  • Transmitter-receiver frequency of 457 kHz according to EN 300 718 standards.

Updating avalanche beacons

Whether an avalanche beacon needs occasional updates varies by brand. New updates are always provided by the manufacturer to further optimize your beacon. This might include speed improvements. That's why it's useful to register your beacon with the manufacturer. In many cases, this registration will keep you informed about new updates via email and may extend your warranty with some manufacturers.

The updating process varies by brand. Here are the possibilities:

  • Updating via Bluetooth in combination with an app on your smartphone.
  • Downloading software from the brand's website and then updating your beacon via a cable.
  • From one beacon to another using a W-link feature (only for Mammut Barryvox and Mammut Barryvox S).
  • By the manufacturer itself, requiring you to send the beacon to a dealer of the manufacturer.

Functionality check before departure

It's always wise to check the functionality of your avalanche beacon before leaving home. Turn on the beacon, check the battery level, switch the beacon from transmit to receive and back. Ensure the beacon is in transmit mode before heading out.

Before you actually start ascending a mountain, perform a group check. One person in the group sets their receiver to search mode. Then, everyone walks one by one past this person to verify that all beacons are being detected.

Snowcountry tips

We'd like to provide you with some additional Snowcountry tips for using your avalanche beacon:

  • Practice with your own avalanche beacon and make sure you are familiar with its operation.
  • Always use the provided harness to carry the avalanche beacon during touring. If your pants have a special pocket for your beacon, you can also place it there. Be cautious with electronic devices near your avalanche beacon, as they can cause interference with the frequency.
  • Wear the beacon under the first layer of your clothing so that you can quickly access it when needed.
  • For multi-day tours, carry spare batteries with you.
  • Always read the manual of your avalanche beacon thoroughly to be aware of its operation.

What should be in your avalanche gear besides your beacon?

As mentioned earlier in this article, having just an avalanche beacon is not sufficient. If you are going off-piste, you need a complete avalanche emergency kit: an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. These items are part of the standard equipment for every skier and snowboarder venturing outside the marked slopes. You can find complete sets in the Snowcountry webshop.

You might also consider adding an avalanche airbag to your gear. An avalanche airbag increases the chances of survival if you become a victim of an avalanche.