BCA’s original European Beacon Basin site is at Zinken, Austria, near Salzburg.

Felix Camire, BCA Tech Rep in Alberta, Canada, shows a beacon training park user how to pinpoint a buried transmitter at the Mt. Norquay training park.

Kirkwood pro patrollers hone their skills at Beacon Basin, now a centerpiece of the resort's popular Expedition Kirkwood program.

Will Barrett and Jeff Ferragi of Breckenridge (CO) Ski Patrol set up Beacon Basin for the day at the top of Peak 8. Thanks to lots of practice (and the right beacon), Ferragi is three-time winner of the Colorado Beacon Bowl, an annual transceiver competition at nearby Arapahoe Basin.

BCA Transceiver Training Park at Altavaltellina in Bormio, Italy. BCA has designed a cost-effective solution for beacon training and distributes these training parks around the world. Photo courtesy of BCA's Italian distributor: Ski Trab srl

You're never too young to learn how to use a transceiver. Make sure everyone in your party is familiar with their equipment. U100 in the Czech Republic teaches beacon users how to conduct a primary search. Photo courtesy of: David Beckovsky of U100

Education - Learning

At Backcountry Access we pride ourselves in manufacturing the best snow safety equipment on the planet. But the one piece of equipment we don’t manufacture is knowledge.  It’s critical that all of our customers realize that the best way to stay safe in the backcountry is through education.  Understanding terrain, weather, snowpack and how to avoid avalanches is your ticket to a long life of backcountry enjoyment. We encourage you to pursue avalanche education as vigorously as you pursue your passion for backcountry sports.

BCA Research

For the latest industry and BCA reports on avalanche statistics, transceiver use, and rescue techniques, see our research page at www.backcountryaccess.com/research.

BCA Shoveling Education
Because of digital transceiver technology, search times have been reduced from an average of 29 minutes (from 1977 to 2000) to 18 minutes (from 2000 to 2006). In the same time, however, excavation times have remained the same. To increase the chances of a live recovery, it is extremely important to shovel efficiently.

• To see a PowerPoint presentation on shoveling techniques, click here.
• To read a paper on strategic shoveling techniques, click here.
• To download PDF's on how to do a beacon search, how to probe and how to shovel efficiently, click here.

Beacon Training Parks
Provided with support from 

BCA Beacon Training Parks are training systems created to make it easier for recreationists and pros to practice with their transceivers. It features 10 permanently buried transmitters wired to a central control panel. To change the scenario, just flick the on/off switches on the control panel.  Instead of digging holes and reburying beacons all day, you spend your valuable time actually practicing with your transceiver. It’s especially useful for practicing multiple and deep burials, which usually require the most work.

See the list below for a Beacon Training Park near you.

2007/2008 Beacon Training Park locations:

More locations are planned. Check back for updates to this list. Contact Steve Christie at (303) 417-1345 for contact information at each location.

*BCA Beacon Training Parks are sold out for the 2006-2007 season. Please fill out the form below and fax it to us at 303.417.1625 or email it to info@bcaccess.com.

BCA Beacon Training Park Request Form

Training DVD's

	"Tracker 101: Mastering your Digital Transceiver" is filmed in conjunction with Teton Gravity Research. This DVD instructs viewers how to do a basic search with the Tracker DTS and is applicable to all digital beacons. Includes extra animations on flux lines and multiple burials. Narrated by TGR's Jim Conway. Available directly from BCA.
	"Übernimm Verantwortung: Leite eine Kameradenrettung" is also filmed in conjunction with TGR. This DVD explains how to lead your group through an avalanche rescue from start to finish. 20 minutes. Available directly from BCA.

Avalanche Awareness Guide

BCA has included an Avalanche Awareness Guide in every 07-08 catalog. This is a good publication to have when you are out practicing with your transceiver.

Tipps zur Vermeidung von Lawinen 1.4MB PDF

Avalanche Conditions

Click here to see daily or weekly avalanche condition reports.

Youth Educational Programs

BCA is proud to sponser educational youth programs. Click these links for more information.

Be Snow Smart:
A presentation conducted by the North America Outdoor Institute and Dean Cummings’ H2O Guides, designed to educate the youths of Alaska on avalanche awareness and smart winter outdoor travel.

AIARE:
Enhancing public safety through high quality avalanche training.

Alpine Safety Awareness Program:
A community-based effort involving local resources aimed at bringing alpine safety awareness to middle- and high-school students.

Find an Avalanche Educator

Select a state, province, or country from the drop down menu to find an educator in your area.