How to Buy a Snow Skier Transceiver

An avalanche transceiver, more commonly referred to as a beacon, is used by backcountry skiers and snowboarders. A transceiver is a necessary piece of safety gear for avalanche country. In addition to just carrying the beacon, you must know how to use it. Many beacons are available but not all are intuitive straight out of the box. Keep several things in mind when selecting a beacon. Do not skimp on beacon quality. This is the tool that is the difference between living and dying in an avalanche.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look for a beacon that has multi-antenna capability. Most beacons today use two antenna, but check to be sure. Some beacon makers are now producing beacons with three antenna. The more antenna the faster and more accurate the beacon is at finding buried skiers.

    • 2

      Ask your ski partners which beacons they use. Compatibility with your ski partners is crucial. For example, there is one beacon maker whose product has the ability to pinpoint heart rates on victims only if the victim is carrying the same type of beacon. Ask your partners what they use and select one that is compatible with theirs.

    • 3

      Determine where you ski the most and where the beacon will be used. If you do the occasional off-piste run at a ski resort look for a basic beacon with two antenna. You do not need beacons with many bells and whistles if you plan to ski out of bounds once or twice a season.

    • 4

      Read the beacon's projected battery life. Consider how often you use the beacon and how long battery life is for the unit. If you do multi-day ski tours, look for a beacon with long stand-by and transmit battery life.

    • 5

      Buy a digital beacon. Analog style beacons are considered dinosaurs today. Digital beacons are faster and transmit better than their old analog cousins.