Backcountry skiers should ALWAYS carry a beacon, shovel, and probe at a minimum.
Owning an avalanche airbag in addition to all of the necessary gear is expensive, but it’s an extremely useful addition to any backcountry set up.
The video below shows a snowboarder successfully deploying an avalanche airbag after being caught in a massive avalanche in Montana.
Check it out:
“This avalanche airbag footage was caught on January 25th, 2012 in the Snake River backcountry near Montezuma, Colo. It features pro snowboarder Meesh Hytner getting caught in an avalanche and staying on top after deploying her BCA Float 30 avalanche airbag.
While airbags can be extremely effective in preventing avalanche burial, they are no substitute for education and good judgment. Please take an avalanche course and choose your terrain based on the current avalanche hazard.”