Avalanche transceivers · Test magazine 2021
Tech talk with Alexander Weijnman, MAMMUT
Head of Avalanche Safety · Print page 101
Who is Alexander Weijnman? Head of Avalanche Safety at MAMMUT
Alexander Weijnman is Head of Avalanche Safety at MAMMUT. According to his biography in the BACKLINE 2021 test magazine, the product manager and engineer has more than 20 years of experience as a passionate freerider and ski tourer. His interests include developing products that are extensively tested, analysed and optimised in the snow.
In the interview, Weijnman identifies the establishment of three-antenna avalanche transceivers as a major advance in locating buried people quickly and precisely. He cites the Barryvox and Barryvox S as examples. Other developments include UIAA standards for avalanche shovels and probes, more reliable probe locking mechanisms and increased probe stiffness. Looking ahead, he would like to see more automation, connectivity and intelligence during transceiver searches without compromising reliability or ease of use.
When buying avalanche equipment, Weijnman prioritises reliability, efficiency and intuitive handling over low prices, low weight and small packed size. He emphasises the importance of avalanche courses and regular rescue practice. For transceiver maintenance, he recommends following the manufacturer's instructions and removing batteries before extended periods of non-use to prevent damage from leaking batteries.
In your view, what were the most important development trends and innovations in avalanche equipment (shovels, probes, transceivers) over the past five years?
For transceivers it is definitely the three-antenna devices that have established themselves on the market – including our market-leading Barryvox and Barryvox S. No transceiver manufacturer offers single-antenna devices any more. The precision and speed of the search is an absolute game changer thanks to the three antennas. For shovels, the new UIAA standard helps users choose the right shovel: they can see immediately that an avalanche shovel has the features required for an efficient rescue and withstands the loads. For probes, the first edition of the UIAA standard was published this September. Technically, a lot has been invested in the simplicity and reliability of the locking systems and in the stiffness of the probes.
Which innovations would you like to see in avalanche equipment in the future?
When it comes to rescue, time is a crucial factor. Rescue equipment therefore has to be as intuitive, light and reliable to operate as possible. That is the central theme in development and innovation. It would be exciting to see more automation, connectivity or intelligence in transceivers during the search phase, without losing reliability and simplicity of operation.
Which questions should a ski tourer answer before buying avalanche equipment?
Put yourself in this situation: my child, my partner or my best friend has been caught and is buried under the snow. What is important and necessary now for that person to survive? At that moment, does a low price, low weight and small packed size of the rescue equipment count – or reliability, efficiency and simplicity of operation so that you can rescue as quickly and easily as possible?
What should beginners bear in mind regarding the necessary avalanche equipment and its handling?
Practice is the key word. At the start of every season everyone should take the time to complete an avalanche course and practise the emergency regularly. The Mammut Alpine School, along with many other qualified providers, offers such courses for beginners. Only those who practise are ready to act quickly and correctly in an emergency.
Which updates and checks should ski tourers carry out on their transceivers before the coming winter?
At the end of the season the equipment should be serviced. Ideally clean the probe with water, dry and lubricate it. Also clean the avalanche shovel with water, sharpen the leading edge and then wax the blade. If something does not work correctly, have it repaired if possible, otherwise replace it with a new product. Transceiver maintenance is a little more demanding; here you should follow the manufacturer''s specific requirements. However, the batteries should always be removed from the device when it is not used for a longer period, as they can leak and damage it.
