First and foremost, all backcountry enthusiasts must recognize be knowledgeable and trained on avoiding and predicting dangerous avalanche conditions as well as how to respond when one occurs. All winter sport enthusiasts that play in the backcountry should travel with minimally a partner and more preferably a group and each must carry an avalanche beacon.   It’s a matter of survival.    Here is how avalanche beacons (also known as transceivers) work:

• All parties must wear or carry a beacon and have it turned on as soon as the venture begins.  The transceiver should be strapped securely under the outer layer of clothing, around your waist and or shoulder.
• When beginning your venture all beacons should be set to “transmit” or “send”.
• When the avalanche occurs and you become a searcher you need to switch your beacon, immediately, to “receive” so you can pick up the signal of the buried.
• If an avalanche occurs, the beacon of the individual who is buried will send off a signal from under the snow.  The beacons of those that avoided the avalanche will receive both visual and audio displays that will guide them toward the transmitting beacon.  

NOTE:  most avalanche victims die from asphyxiation and/or trauma.  An avalanche beacon is not meant to be used as prevention of an avalanche occurring.  It is up to you to be smart and knowledgeable before venturing into the backcountry.

HOT TIP: never use rechargeable batteries; they don't seem to have the stamina.  Change your batteries before they get low (and reuse them in your headlamp).  Always carry a beacon even if you travel alone.  Your body can be recovered much easier with it secured to your body.

Using an avalanche beacon requires practice to ensure that your beacons are operating correctly and that you are fully aware of how to use it with most efficiency.  

There are two types of avalanche beacons on the market today:

• Digital beacons: feature a LCD or LED display panel that shows distance and directs and points you to your target.  Digital beacons also feature audio sounds that change as you get closer to the victim buried.  PROS:  more user friendly and are faster at transmitting and receiving.  CONS:  usually have a smaller range to pick up a signal.  See Mammut Pulse Barryvox Avalanche Beacon

• Analog beacons:  are typically sound but can feature visual indicators.  PROS:  can pick up signals from greater distances than a digital beacon and are very reliable using knowledge and practice.  CONS:  requires learning the application.

Avalanche beacons must be used accompanied by a probe and a shovel.  Gear up 4 nature being smart, be sure to include all of these with your survival gear.