Live the Dream: About Transceivers

  previous: Getting kitted out  |  Freeride home  |  next: Respecting the mountain  

A transceiver is a radio device with two modes, 'transmit' and 'receive'. It is worn strapped close to the body and should be switched to 'transmit' during the whole day and only tuned to 'receive' to pick up the signal of a buried unit.

If one or more of your party are buried by an avalanche, ALL remaining members MUST turn their units to 'receive' mode to locate the buried unit (otherwise you will all pick up and follow the wrong signal). Listen to the audible signal, which becomes louder as you get closer to the buried unit, most transceivers now have visual indicators as well as sound to assist in the search.

Don't go for help without first searching immediately for buried victims. Their chances of survival are halved after the first 15 minutes, so a search must be organised by those present immediately.

If you have a mobile phone and you're in an area with a good signal, pre-programme in the emergency services or mountain rescue number; this will ensure that no time is wasted arranging a professional search for anyone caught in an avalanche. Mobile phones may interfere with some transceivers so its best to leave them switched off while out freeriding.

If you don't have a phone, conduct a search and then go for additional help, leaving other members of the group to continue the search.

We recommend reading fully and carefully the accompanying instructions and then practice locating a buried (switched on) transceiver. In your group try to improve the time it takes to locate the buried unit as you get used to the transceiver. By using transceivers, buried skiers and boarders can be found quickly, greatly enhancing their likelihood of survival.

This is just a brief introduction to transceivers and how they work. For more detailed information on transceivers contact the Ski Club of Great Britain or consider training from a professional mountain guide.

Note: Before you freeride make sure the frequencies of all transceivers in your group are compatible and that batteries in all transceivers work and will last the duration of the day.

  previous: Getting kitted out  |  Freeride home  |  next: Respecting the mountain