With one avalanche fatality already this season in Colorado, it’s time for backcountry travelers to focus on minimizing risks. Beside the beacon, probe pole, shovel, training and partners required for safer play in the BC, there are a few optional amenities that could reduce the risk of death by avalanche. RECCO reflectors are small slivers of plastic that can be identified with special detectors used by ski patrols at 11 Colorado ski areas and one search and rescue team. Many ski apparel makers – such as Arc’teryx, Atomic, Sessions, Volcom, Quiksilver and Vans – have incorporated the nonpowered RECCO reflectors into their gear. The latest company to join the RECCO movement is North Face, which has installed the reflectors in seven of its jackets this season and plans to offer 20 RECCO-tagged designs next fall. The Free Thinker jacket pictured retails for $499. The RECCO reflectors are never a replacement for avalanche transceivers, but if you ski inbounds or out-of-bounds near a RECCO-equipped ski area, it’s one more piece of armor in the fight to increase safety in the backcountry.
