How to Wear an Avalanche Beacon

Before venturing off into the wilds of the snow-filled backcountry on your next ski tour, you need to strap on an avalanche beacon. With a series of webbing and connectors that could confuse even Einstein, knowing how to wear and where to put the beacon is essential.

Things You'll Need

  • Avalanche beacon
  • Instructions from your proprietary beacon
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Instructions

  1. Read your Instructions

    • 1

      Take the time to read and understand the instructions before putting on the beacon. Each beacon maker has different sets of straps to attach the beacon to the body.

    • 2

      Get your ski clothes on and place the beacon on over your base and second layers. Attach the straps according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep the beacon on either the left or right side, do not keep it in the center of your body.

    • 3

      Turn the beacon on according to the instructions once the beacon is strapped on to your body. Check with your ski partner to ensure the beacon is on and functioning properly.

    • 4

      Put the beacon back into its resting place after turning it on. Put on your top layer/alpine shell. Keep the beacon underneath the top layer/shell at all times. If you take a layer off during your ski tour, tuck the beacon under the next top layer. Having the beacon exposed is dangerous as it could be ripped off the body in an avalanche, rendering it useless.

    • 5

      Make small adjustments for comfort once the beacon is strapped on.