Avalanche safety basics
What to carry and what to know before you leave the marked pistes.
Quick answer
Never go off-piste without a transceiver, shovel and probe, a partner who carries the same and knows how to use them, and a check of the day's avalanche bulletin.
The essential kit
- Avalanche transceiver, switched on and worn on your body
- Metal shovel
- Probe of at least 240 cm
- Optional: an airbag backpack
Training
Take an avalanche course and practise transceiver searches with your partners every season.
Plan every day
Check the regional avalanche bulletin, the weather and the terrain before you go, and choose lines with a margin of safety.