By Aaron Whitfield

Heliskiing at Northern Escape is made safer with the use of the Snowpulse Avalanche Airbag System. Guests are equipped for the duration of the trip with an airbag backpack and transceiver included in the price of their heli skiing package. Safety is the number one priority here at Northern Escape Heli Skiing, and in each Snowpulse backpack there is also a probe and shovel so that every heli skier is equipped to help one another in case of emergency.

The Snowpulse Avalanche Airbag System looks like a regular backpack from the outside, with the exception of a small handle sticking out of the shoulder strap. When pulled, an internal air cartridge is discharged to inflate a large balloon type airbag that protects the head and neck of the wearer in the event of being involved in an avalanche. It is similar to an airbag being deployed in a vehicle when in an accident.

The design of the Snowpulse Avalanche Airbag System is also intended to keep the person near the surface if caught in an avalanche. There is a principle called inverse segregation, where smaller particles sink, and bigger ones rise to the surface. Wearing a Snowpulse Avalanche Airbag System, when deployed, significantly increases the effect of buoyancy and helps keep the persons head and shoulders above the surface of the snow. This greatly increases chances of survival and stay above the surface, plus with a bright red airbag deployed, it makes it easy to spot and is quicker and easier for companions to come to aid if necessary.

Avalanche safety begins with making smart decisions out in the mountains and avoiding areas of instability and being involved in an avalanche in the first place. Northern Escape Heli Skiing guides are some of the most experienced in the industry and make safety their number one priority. Being in a mountainous area with a deep snowpack, the potential of an avalanche does exist, but the dangers are mitigated with the experience and knowledge of the heli ski guides. Having everyone on board with the latest in avalanche safety equipment and technology, while being trained and comfortable with its usage, creates the safest possible situation in the mountain environment. Guides focus on the safest areas to ski with the best snow conditions allowing the guests focus to be on enjoying the ultimate ski adventure.

Further Reading:

• PULSE Barryvox Avalanche Transceiver 
• Operations and Safety