BCA distributor Milos Just (in the Czech Republic) shows students the three phases of an avalanche search—illustrated on the backside of the flux line banner.

Strategic shoveling is now an important part of many recreational avalanche courses. Photo by Scott Smith.

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.

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.

Backcountry Access Avalanche Research

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

Avalanche 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 highlight efficient beacon searching and probing techniques.

	Avalanche Awareness Guide
	Beacon Searching 101
	Shoveling 101
	Probing 101
	Strategic Shoveling: The Next Frontier in Companion Rescue
	Avalanche Avoidance and Rescue for Skiers - click to download (8MB)
	Avalanche Avoidance and Rescue for Snowmobilers - click to download (10MB)

Training DVDs

"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.

Backcountry Access vinyl flux line banner

Backcountry Access Flux Line banner is available from BCA by calling (800) 670-8735 to order a double-sided, 4'x3' version of this graphic.

The vinyl flux line banner measures 4'x3' and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.  The front side shows electromagnetic flux lines (left) while the back shows search protocol for rescues (right).

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.

	Tracker DTS™ Instructional Guide
	Tracker DTS™ Advanced Tutorial