OFF PISTE SKIING – ABS avalanche airbags?
Avalanche Airbags for Off-Piste Skiing: Do You Need One?
Avalanche airbags have become a common piece of safety equipment for freeriders and ski tourers. Modern systems are lighter, easier to use and available with both traditional cartridge systems and electronic inflation systems.
But how important is an avalanche airbag, how does it work, and what should you look for when choosing one?
What does an avalanche airbag do?
An avalanche airbag is designed to help a skier remain closer to the surface of moving avalanche debris by increasing their overall volume when the airbag is deployed.
It can improve your chances in an avalanche, but it does not make avalanche terrain safe.
An airbag should always be considered additional safety equipment, not a substitute for good decision-making, avalanche knowledge or the essential rescue equipment carried by every member of the group.
The essential avalanche equipment comes first
Before considering an avalanche airbag, every skier or snowboarder heading into avalanche terrain should carry the basic rescue equipment:
- a modern three-antenna avalanche transceiver
- shovel
- probe
Just as importantly, you need to know how to use them. Regular transceiver and rescue training is essential. Equipment alone is of little value if you cannot use it quickly and effectively in an emergency. Depending on the tour and conditions, additional equipment such as a first-aid kit, communication equipment and other emergency gear may also be appropriate.
An airbag does not mean you can take more risk
This is perhaps the most important point.
Wearing an avalanche airbag should never influence you to ski terrain that you would otherwise consider too risky. The best avalanche accident is the one that never happens. Snow conditions, avalanche danger, terrain, weather, the ability of the group and many other factors need to be considered before and during a day in the mountains.
An airbag provides an additional option if something goes wrong. It does not replace conservative terrain choices and professional judgement.
Know how to use your avalanche airbag
Whatever system you choose, become familiar with it before heading into the mountains.
Know where the trigger is and practise reaching for it while wearing gloves and ski clothing. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspections, maintenance and practice deployments. Some manufacturers specifically recommend a training deployment at the beginning of the season as well as regular inspections of the system.
If you ever deploy your airbag in a real avalanche, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding inspection or servicing before using it again.
Cartridge or electronic avalanche airbag?
Today there are two main types of avalanche airbag systems.
Cartridge systems
Traditional systems use a compressed-gas cartridge to inflate the airbag.
They are proven and relatively simple, but after deployment the cartridge normally needs to be refilled or replaced according to the manufacturer’s system.
If you regularly fly with your avalanche backpack, check the current airline and manufacturer requirements before travelling.
Electronic systems
Modern electronic airbags use a powered blower to inflate the airbag.
Depending on the system, power can come from batteries or supercapacitors. One advantage is the possibility of test deployments without using a gas cartridge, making it easier to practise using the system.
Electronic systems have developed considerably in recent years and are now offered by several major avalanche-safety brands.
There is no single system that is best for everyone. Weight, backpack volume, type of skiing, ease of practice, travel requirements and personal preference all play a role.
What size avalanche backpack do you need?
For lift-accessed freeriding around St. Anton and the Arlberg, many skiers prefer a relatively compact pack.
If you also plan to go ski touring, you will normally want additional space for skins, clothing, food, water and touring equipment.Rather than focusing only on litres, make sure the backpack fits properly and remains comfortable when fully loaded.
A good avalanche backpack is one you are happy to wear every day.
Off-piste skiing with an IFMGA mountain guide
Knowing the terrain and understanding the current conditions are fundamental when skiing off piste.
Piste To Powder has been connecting guests with experienced IFMGA mountain guides in St. Anton and throughout the Arlberg for over 25 years.
Our independent guides combine extensive local knowledge with professional mountain and avalanche training. Your guide independently plans the day and chooses appropriate terrain according to the current snow and avalanche conditions, weather, group ability and their professional assessment.
Safety is always at the forefront, while the aim remains simple: make the most of your day in the Arlberg.
Avalanche safety equipment with Piste To Powder
Standard avalanche safety equipment including a transceiver, shovel and probe can be provided for your guiding day in St. Anton.
Your guide can also explain how to use the equipment and help you become more familiar with avalanche rescue procedures.
If you are considering buying an avalanche airbag, try different backpacks and systems before making your decision. Fit, weight and ease of use can be just as important as the technology inside.
The bottom line
An avalanche airbag can be a valuable additional piece of safety equipment for freeriding and ski touring.
But remember the order of priorities:
Knowledge, good decisions and appropriate terrain choices come first. Transceiver, shovel and probe are essential rescue equipment. An avalanche airbag adds another layer of protection, but it never makes avalanche terrain safe.
Heading off piste in St. Anton or elsewhere in the Arlberg? Explore the mountains with an experienced IFMGA mountain guide and discover what lies beyond the pistes.
If you’re unsure which system is best for you, rent an ABS at Jennewein and try different systems before buying one!
