Thrill-seeking backcountry skiers and riders now have a safety device at their disposal that may save their lives in the event of an avalanche -- an avalanche airbag.
Avalanche airbag technology isn't new -- they've been available in Europe for years and the market has slowly been evolving in North America, but their global exposure has exploded this week due to media reports that the device saved the life a pro skier caught in an avalanche in the US near Washington's Stevens Pass, in which three others died.
Last month, the airbag was also credited with saving a professional snowboarder caught in an avalanche in Colorado. Also the media reported last week that a companion of Dutch Prince Johan Friso was wearing an airbag when an avalanche overtook his group.
The air bag system, worn as a backpack, contains an avalanche balloon that works by keeping the wearer near the surface of the show. The airbags push out, making it more difficult for the victim to sink deeper into the show. It's not a failsafe system but many experts say it's worth the investment. Airbags cost from about $600 to $1,000.
At the SIA Snow Show in Denver and ISPO event in Munich, avalanche airbags were a hot topic of conversation among backcountry skiers and snowboarders, as some are contemplating them as a must-have device for patrollers and serious riders. New models such as those by ABS and Mammut were on display. Models were also on display at this week's ISPO Beijing.
On the horizon, alpine ski racers may soon be kitted out with airbags for the 2014 Sochi Olympics. High-speed crashes may be softened by an airbag from Italian company Dainese, which specializes in protective gear for sports such as motorcycling and mountain biking. Alpine skiing's governing body, the FIS has been working with Dainese over the last three years to investigate the potential application of airbag technology for top-level skiers.
Watch a demo of the ABS airbag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRm1OZ2-AA4
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