Progress update from UIAA Avalanche Transceiver Working Group
At the end of April, the UIAA Avalanche Transceiver Working Group met in Chamonix, France, for a working session combining technical discussions and field testing for practical applications of avalanche transceivers. The group made strong progress on the definition of the test package for avalanche transceivers, with the selection of tests and key details largely finalised and broad agreement reached across the working group.
Photo credit: Damien Borbath
Photo credit: Damien Borbath
The UIAA has been committed to research related to avalanche transceivers for a number of years. A position statement was released, and translated into multiple languages in 2023, and be found below. The topic is particularly pertinent after a number of devastating avalanches hit the Alps throughout the 2025-2026 winter.
Industry participation was strong, with all contributing manufacturers attending and two additional prospective manufacturers engaging with the process. The Working Group also field-tested the draft procedures to validate and fine-tune the proposed test methods. The meetings also included a field demonstration with IVAQ, a drone-assisted rescue system to demonstrate finding a buried subject with a standard avalanche transceiver to local rescuers who are always looking for new technology to save lives.
The Working Group will now consolidate the outcomes into the next draft of an official UIAA Safety Standard and continue the development process in line with the UIAA Safety Label framework.
Photo credit: Damien Borbath
Photo credit: Damien Borbath
Photo credit: Damien Borbath
Photo credit: Damien Borbath
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