What emergency equipment do I need for the road?
Emergency equipment includes an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. These three items of equipment are not optional, they definitely belong in your touring rucksack. In the event of an avalanche, they greatly increase the chances of rescuing buried victims alive. By the way: Even if you are out and about with snowshoes, you should not do without this equipment!
Which avalanche transceiver is right for me?
There are currently five manufacturers on the market that offer about 15 different avalanche beacons. There are so-called basic devices and devices with additional functions. The decisive factor in the selection is how well you get along with the operation. There are differences here. Not everyone gets along with every device equally well. You should definitely try it out at a specialist store and get advice from experts.
But the avalanche transceiver alone is not enough?
Exactly. Because I can't dig out the buried person with the device. Anyone who has ever tried to dig a hole in the snow with his bare hands knows that it is very difficult, sometimes impossible. Therefore, you definitely need a shovel. Here, too, it makes sense to look at the models in specialized stores. In addition, you need a probe. With this, the buried person can be localized exactly in the first place. It is important to practice using an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel several times a year so that they can be used correctly in an emergency.
Airbag systems have also been available for some years now. These are backpacks with one or two integrated balloons that are inflated at lightning speed in the event of an avalanche. They can make a significant contribution to preventing you from being completely buried. They are recommended by the Alpine clubs. Important: they do not replace the avalanche transceiver, shovel or probe. These items are part of the right equipment for a ski tour and still need to be taken along.
Do you need more emergency equipment?
In addition to the classic emergency equipment of an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, there are other items that should definitely be part of your ski tour equipment. These are a cell phone, a bivouac sack, a rescue blanket and a first aid kit.
What other equipment should I take with me?
In addition to equipment for "emergencies", there are a number of important items that should definitely be in your rucksack. The following applies here: even if you don't need everything on every tour, these items can be extremely important in an emergency. They are therefore not optional!
- Map / GPS device to keep your bearings (always have a plan B with you in case your phone fails).
- A ski helmet for downhill skiing is now considered an essential piece of equipment for ski tours and protects you in the event of a fall
- Crampons: Are attached to the binding of the touring ski - if the snow is very icy and you slip with the skin alone, the sharp points will claw into the ice. Crampons are indispensable in icy conditions - but beware, you often need them when you least expect it!
- Pocket knife, cable ties and a tear-proof adhesive tape: with these you can make makeshift repairs on the road
What do I have to pay attention to when it comes to clothing?
In addition to the normal layers such as base and midlayer, possibly long underpants, ski socks and pants, a lightweight softshell makes sense. In bad weather, at higher altitudes and on tours lasting several days, a hardshell is a must. And for breaks or descents in the cold, an insulating jacket with down or synthetic fiber filling should be included.
Whether you take a shirt as a change of clothes, everyone must know for themselves. For multi-day and long tours and people who sweat a lot, it has absolutely its justification.
How is that for ski touring on the slopes?
As long as you are on the piste, i.e. not in the so-called "free ski area", you do not need an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. However, a so-called restraint system for the skis is mandatory. These can be safety straps or ski stoppers. You have to prevent a loose ski from sliding down the slope and injuring other people.
In conclusion: At the start of the season in particular, you should check your touring rucksack and equipment for a ski tour and pack any missing equipment. At this point, you should also check that the batteries and other equipment are working properly. This way, you always have your rucksack ready during the season and packing is done in just a few minutes.
It is also important to look after and maintain your touring ski equipment properly. You can find valuable tips on proper care here.