How to Buy an Avalanche Beacon for Backcountry Skiing

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Beep, beep, beep. It's amazing how such a simple sound could save your life.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Determine how much you can spend on an avalanche beacon. Most beacons run between $250 and $300.
Step 2

Choose either an analog beacon that gives audible signals, or a digital beacon that gives both audible and visual signals.
Step 3

Pick a beacon that comes with a sturdy harness that will keep the beacon in place at your side.
Step 4

Test beacons in the store before you buy one.
Step 5

Buy the beacon that is easiest for you to use and the one that makes the most sense to you.
Step 6

Practice as often as you can with your beacon before heading into avalanche terrain.

Tips & Warnings

Remember, a beacon won't do you any good unless your backcountry ski partners are also equipped with avalanche beacons.
An avalanche probe and backcountry ski shovel are also useful items to buy. These will help search for and dig out an avalanche victim.
Backcountry skiing is a physically challenging sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.

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