Steve with RECCO Detector

The RECCO® system is small reflector (sometimes called a chip) that is attached or sewn into clothing or equipment. A special detector (which is about the size of a notebook computer) transmits a signal that is reflected back to the detector. These special detectors are used by approximately 500 ski areas and search and rescue teams. The RECCO system is a worthy addition to the professional's search arsenal, but it is not intended to replace avalanche transceivers. As with avalanche transceivers, becoming proficient with the RECCO system requires practice.

The RECCO system can sometimes detect other electronic devices, such as a cell phone or radio, at shorter ranges. When using the RECCO detector, I have occasionally picked up a signal from electronic devices, but I have not been able to successfully locate a victim (during training or actual avalanches) unless they had a RECCO reflector.

Learn more about the RECCO avalanche location system here. Read about the newly released RECCO Detector, which includes a traditional avalanche beacon receiver, here.