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Technology improves avalanche gear for backcountry skiers

Andrew Coutant with North Face stands next to The North Face exhibit displaying its new avalanche airbag “modulater system” that is a set of dual air bags that be attached to any backpack at the Outdoor Retailer Show Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in Salt lake City. The theory is that skiers get used to their favorite packs and don’t always want to use a new pack to have the air bag. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Andrew Coutant with North Face stands next to The North Face exhibit displaying its new avalanche airbag “modulater system” that is a set of dual air bags that be attached to any backpack at the Outdoor Retailer Show Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in Salt lake City. The theory is that skiers get used to their favorite packs and don’t always want to use a new pack to have the air bag. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Andrew Coutant with North Face stands next to The North Face exhibit displaying its new avalanche airbag “modulater system” that is a set of dual air bags that be attached to any backpack at the Outdoor Retailer Show Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in Salt lake City. The theory is that skiers get used to their favorite packs and don’t always want to use a new pack to have the air bag. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

By Associated Press 4 min read

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – As outdoor recreation companies increasingly cater to skiers and snowboarders who like to venture beyond the groomed slopes at ski resorts and tackle backcountry terrain, they’ve put a special emphasis on gear and equipment to keep people safe in case of avalanches.

At this week’s Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake city- which draws an estimated 22,000 people -the latest in rescue beacons, air bags and snow probes are on display.

Evolving technology and a more research is driving the improved products, said Bruce Tremper, Director of the Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center. He warns that the gear doesn’t make a person invincible. Backcountry skiers need to study avalanche risk reports and weather forecasts and gauge the terrain, and newbies should take classes for safety tips.

Even all that preparation isn’t always enough to avoid getting caught in fast-moving avalanches.

“This does not replace good thinking, sound judgment in the back country, but it does stack the odds in your favor,” said John Dicuollo, spokesman for Salt Lake City-based Black Diamond, which unveiled a new air bag system this year.