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Avy Gear

1K views 1 reply 1 participant last post by  KIRKRIDER 
#1 ·
Had a discussion with my brother in Italy...he was about to go ride backcountry, and told me about the gear he was using. He always carries avy gear, I ride mostly in Kirkwood, hitting sidecoutry at best, but sometimes in very loaded conditions.

Should I have avy gear within the resort?

which one? Avalung? showel probe and beacon? Airbag?

what do you guys normally cary? I would think that being alone most of the times, an avalung is the logic solution...

suggestions?
 
#2 · (Edited)
You really do not need to carry avy gear if riding in controlled controlled inbounds terrain. The control work patrol does before opening any terrain is extensive. You mention side country...I would carry the gear here.

Now, having said that, daily conditions can change this as well as where you ride. On groomers, zero need; off piste can be a different story as even a very small slough could bury you. When it dumps at Mt. Hood Meadows and I am going to hit the bowls or Heather, I will strap on a beacon and carry the basic shovel and probe. I only do this if riding our gated off piste areas though.
That's exactly what I do....and Kirkwood is deserted durning the week....you're often alone.
Last time I had to backtrack off a slope that was dangerously loaded....stepped off the board to climb back up and was waist deep instantly...making those 10 feet to the top took me a while. and made me realize the huge mass of snow I was into....waist to chest deep.
And that was inbound.
sidecountry was worst...with up to 15/20 feet of blown powder accumulated between the trees.
Now, showel and probe are effective if you have a partner that has them too...I ride alone..should I just get the Avalung?
 
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