Ski patrol at the Grands Montets, Balme, and Brévent-Fégère will now permanently have a Recco 9 avalanche victim detector device in their backpacks. Not only is the Recco 9 smaller and easier to handle, but it also receives ARVA as well as Recco signals and has better battery life capacity. Many brands sew Recco emitters directly into the lining of jackets or incorporate them into boots, for added security, especially since the Recco emitters don't operate on batteries. Recco emitters do not replace the need for off-piste skiers to be equipped with an ARVA, shovel and probe since avalanche victims must be rescued as quickly as possible. However, it is a useful added safety device since it can be a permanent fixture less likely to be affected by human error (e.g. forgetting to turn your ARVA on or running out of batteries). Remember that MBU season pass holders are invited to sign up for an ARVA and Recco avalanche awareness demonstration on January 8-9. If you can't make these days, you can still ask the ski patrol at Brévent-Flégère or train at the Lognan avalanche ARVA park.
