Log in to your account.
Sign up for an account. It’s free!
Select your preferred display currency
*Payments at checkout will still be charged in GBP £
Airbag backpacks are fast becoming standard off-piste equipment for a good reason; the statistics show that they work. Here's a list of quotes and links to what ski industry experts and pro-skiers are saying about their use and effectiveness. We've also included links to stories where skiers describe using their airbag rucksack in real life avalanche situations. Some of the stories are very moving, all are educational.
".... it's fair to say that avalanche airbags are the best technology to come along in the history of people's interactions with avalanches. In fact, they arguably work better than avalanche forecasts, education, or research, which is a humbling admission for someone like me who has spent a lifetime providing exactly that."
Bruce Tremper, Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, 2nd edition.
"...concerning airbag pack technology – do not wait for a tragedy or close-call to purchase one. This was the first year I’ve skied with one of these packs (BCA Float 36). Before this, I was aware of the technology and overwhelming statistics, but held off due to financial concerns. This seems to be the most common excuse from most riders I meet. It is true that the price tag can be heavy, especially in years past. But with BCA coming into the market recently, we’ve entered a new era."
Nick Barlow, guide with Alaska Heliskiing, in a blog reflecting on a season that saw the first ever heliskiing avalanche fatalities in Alaska:
"I would not enter the side or backcountry without an ABS airbag, along with my transceiver, shovel and probe. It saved my life."
"It must be noted though that an ABS backpack is for when everything goes wrong, rather than being an enabler to ditch common sense and forego avalanche safety. Also, when entering side-country there can be a false sense of security, one must not become complacent just because you’re next to a resort."
Pro skier Elyse Saugstad, from interview for National Geographic. Elyse attributes her survival of the Stephens Pass avalanche, which killed three highly experienced companions, to her airbag backpack. Read the moving account of the Stephens Pass avalanche, written by Megan Michelson (Freeskiing editor of ESPN) for Outside Magazine here.
"For sure, it’s very effective. I’ve never had to use it. I’d say if I could pick one piece of avalanche safety equipment to take with me into the mountains, I would say, hands down, it would be an airbag."
Pro-snowboarder Jeremy Jones, when asked in an interview with National Geographic whether he uses an avalanche airbag rucksack.
Ski racing has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, when the sport first began to gain popularity in Europe and North America. Over the years, many legendary ski racers have emerged, pushing the boundaries of what was thought to be possible and leaving a lasting impact on the sport. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the pioneers who changed the game and helped shape the sport of ski racing into what it is today.
When it comes to ski helmets, fit and sizing are crucial factors. A ski helmet that doesn't fit properly can be uncomfortable, and it may not provide the protection you need in the event of a fall or impact. Read on to find out more about how to ensure a helmet is the perfect fit.
Ski helmets have come a long way in recent years, with a range of new technologies and innovations designed to improve safety and comfort on the slopes. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the latest developments in ski helmet technology and how they can benefit skiers and snowboarders.
