Ortovox, the German supplier of personal locate beacons and other avalanche safety gear, has partnered with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) to create a new curriculum for retail professionals.

 


The curriculum emphasizes avalanche education, companion and self-rescue, and the vital role decision-making plays in safe backcountry travel. Additionally, the partnership provides valuable product feedback from avalanche and rescue professionals who use Ortovox transceivers and rescue equipment in the field.

 

“As the world’s leading avalanche transceiver and rescue equipment brand, the Ortovox mission has always been to outfit people with the proper gear in order to enjoy the backcountry safely and responsibly,” explains Christian Mason, sales and marketing director at Ortovox. “The partnership with AIARE furthers that goal in an effort to reduce avalanche accidents.”

 

As part of the commitment, Ortovox is training its entire sales force to AIARE Level 1 so they can better educate retail staff on avalanche awareness and rescue equipment use. In addition, Ortovox produced Avalanche Safety Guide Books and Avalanche Safety Essentials flyers, both are available at participating Ortovox retailers free of charge. The Guide Book and Flyer offer the basics of avalanche awareness.

 

“It is essential to equip retail staff with the knowledge to speak accurately and informatively about Ortovox gear and its proper use,” continues Mason. “Equally important, is the need to encourage consumers to educate themselves about avalanche safety. The Guide Books and Flyers are a good first step towards avalanche awareness education.”
To see a full schedule of AIARE avalanche course in your area visit avtraining.org.

 

Based in Taufkirchen, Germany, Ortovox cliams to be the world's leading brand of avalanche transceiver and rescue equipment.