BCA distributor U100 (in the Czech Republic) shows students the three-circle method illustrated on the backside of the flux line banner.
BCA distributors and reps are some of the most knowledgable snow safety professionals in our industry. 2005 BCA rep & distributor training, Dachstein Glacier, Austria.

The vinyl flux line banner measures 4'x3' and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The front side shows electromagnetic flux lines (above) while the back shows search protocol for a single and multiple burial (below).
Educational Point of Purchase displays are downloadable on this page. These are excellent handouts for classes and those wishing to refresh their memories before heading to the hills.
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Teaching
Avalanche educators play a
critical role in educating recreationists and providing them
with the knowledge they need to stay alive in the backcountry.
Below is a list of materials we have created to support the efforts of avalanche educators worldwide.
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
While the time to locate a victim has decreased over the last 6 years, excavating that victim takes a majority of the time for a successful rescue. Below is a PowerPoint presentation that explains the most efficient way to excavate a victim. If you would like to read a paper on strategic shoveling techniques, click here.
In addition to strategic shoveling technique, BCA has developed point of purchase displays that highlite efficient beacon searching and probing techniques.
Training DVD's
"Tracker 101: Mastering your Digital Transceiver" is filmed in conjunction with Teton Gravity Research. This DVD walks through basic searching techniques used by backcountry professionals and includes extra animations on flux lines and multiple burials. Narrated by TGR's Jim Conway.
"Take Charge: Leading a Companion Rescue" is now available! Also filmed in conjunction with TGR, this DVD explains how to lead your group through an avalanche rescue from start to finish. 20 minutes.
Both are available directly from BCA.
Beacon Training Parks Avalanche educators are encouraged
to use our beacon transceiver training parks as part of their on-snow
programs. For a list of Beacon Training park sites, see BCA's Learning page. These
sites are usually managed by the local ski patrol, with support from our regional
BCA technical representative.
“Beacon Basin makes it possible to practice deep burial and multiple burial scenarios much more efficiently than has been possible in the past.”-Gary Brill, Gary Brill Avalanche Education, Seattle, Washington.
“Now that we have the benefit of practicing with the Beacon Basin, skiers are exposed to a much more realistic scenario-which was an eye opener for many. The Beacon Basin is an excellent and totally essential tool that all winter visitors to the backcountry should have exposure to, then practicing with this tool until a feeling of confidence is achieved locating deep burials.”-Kevin Giles, Kokanee Glacier Mountaineering, Nelson, BC.
BCA Flux Diagram PosterCall BCA (800) 670-8735 to order a double-sided, 4'x3' version of this graphic.
Tracker DTS™ Instructional Guide
The Tracker DTS Instruction Guide is a resource for avalanche educators and others teaching on-snow transceiver use. The objective is to help educators teach students how to properly use the Tracker DTS. However, this guide is equally applicable to other technologies and can be used for general avalanche transceiver training, whatever the brand. The guide is most effective when used with the BCA flux diagram, which can be ordered from BCA by calling (800)670-8735.
Educational PowerPoint Presentations
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