 Poster: A snowHead
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Im after some advice. As a newbie to off piste I'm not sure if I've done the right thing as I've put down a small deposit on an ABS bag as I got a good deal. I'm now tormenting myself as I'm not sure I've done the right thing?
For a newbie that might get 10 days a year and of those days maybe only 8, but I don't know which 8!, will involve any form of off piste.
Do I rent? Do I buy? Would I be better not getting an ABS and putting the money towards some mountain craft lessons?
I understand the 'how much is your life worth?' argument and have got myself a transceiver probe and shovel as the minimum level of kit
Help me sleep at night!!!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Renting is a hassle - you have to find a store that rents, queue take it back at the right time etc etc. Owning is also a bit of a hassle if you fly but airlines are getting used to it. Renting for 8 days a season will set you back around 200 Euro I'd guess so over 2/3 seasons you've covered it easily. The real objective of course it to make it the most expensive piece of kit you never use.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Dave of the Marmottes, cheers. The bag I've put a deposit on is the same as spyderjons Scott 30 RAS and he rates it so it looks like I've the right thing. Hurrah!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@charliesimpson, yu dun gud 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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you can hire Airbag Rucksacks in the UK from http://www.outdoorhire.co.uk/quick-links/snow-safety.php We use Interlink to deliver. It is always a easier when you own your own kit but if you are an occasional user it is quite often cheaper to hire. Sometime it is just down to the math and your gut feeling what is best. Spending money on training is seldom wasted. Dave Etherington IFMGA mountain guide
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| Quote: |
Would I be better not getting an ABS and putting the money towards some mountain craft lessons?
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Yes, using an an airbag is the last resort , if it's either/or and you have 0 off piste experience (i don't mean the skiing part) then you will probably have a better chance at survival not getting yourself into those situations.
Also the chances of you skiing steep off piste terrain is pretty low if you are new to it, the 'how much is your life worth' saying is pretty pointless as all the monies and gear in the world wont help you when you make bad choices as many have found out.
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| charliesimpson wrote: |
Would I be better not getting an ABS and putting the money towards some mountain craft lessons? |
IMHO, yes. Do a 2 day avalanche course. Then buy an avalanche rescue pack anyway 
You should also read some good books - pretty sure I've posted a list with links before, but have a look at your favourite book shop for any of these:
. "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain" by Tremper
. "Avalanche Essentials: A Step by Step System for Safety and Survival " also by Tremper
. "Snow Sense: A Guide to Evaluating Snow Avalanche Hazard" by Fredston and Fessler
Travelling with a avalanche rescue pack is a bit of a pain but it's getting easier. There's a thread on SH all about it...
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