Avalanche airbags do not make avalanche zones consequence free terrain but they undoubtedly improve your chances of staying on top of a slide once you are caught. Tom Oye is thankful he was wearing his when the Whistler face he was snowboarding kicked out and he was caught. As you can see, he never submerged and ended up on top once the momentum stopped.
They aren’t cheap but you are worth it. Remember no piece of gear is more important to your safety than your own avalanche education and situational awareness. Stay safe out there and #KBYG.
