Best Avalanche Beacons of 2024

your avalanche transceiver is essential rescue gear for backcountry skiing

Comparing Avalanche Beacons

Published December 5, 2023
Home > Gear Reviews > Ski & Snow

Skis, snowboards, sleds—these are the fun pieces of gear when it comes to backcountry adventures. But some of the most important gear you carry into avalanche terrain is your rescue gear, and an avalanche transceiver is an essential piece of gear. Finding the right beacon for your needs and being well-practiced with it will make you more prepared for winter adventures. We thoroughly researched and tested the top avalanche beacons on the market for beginners and pros alike so that you can get out into the backcountry with the right gear.

I have been a backcountry skier for a decade. Most of my backcountry ski experience comes from time spent in my home mountains in Colorado—a place with a notoriously touchy and dangerous snowpack that helps to keep my skills for traveling in avalanche terrain sharp.

I have my AIARE Level 1, AIARE Level 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications, and am working on my Pro level certifications to teach avalanche education. I tested beacons for this story using skills I've learned in avalanche courses and training.

Remember that backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous risk. Even more important than the gear, it’s crucial to have training and education before you venture into avalanche terrain in order to help you stay safe. If you’re new to the backcountry, look into courses, like intro to backcountry classes, to get you familiar with the gear and how things differ from skiing in bounds at a resort. Then take a level 1 avalanche safety course from a reputable guide service or provider to begin understanding the risk associated with backcountry skiing and avalanches. If you’re new to skiing, start first at the resort to hone the basic skills. Skiing in the backcountry is much more unpredictable and difficult than at a resort and you should only venture into the backcountry once you’re an expert level skier in bounds. (This is not meant to be exclusionary in any way; it’s simply for your own safety and the safety of others.)


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Comparison table

AVALANCHE BEACON TREELINE AWARD MAX RANGE WEIGHT BATTERIES BATTERY LIFE ANTENNAE
Black Diamond Guide BT Best overall
Read why
60 meters 9.7 oz 3 AAA 400 hours in transmit mode 3
BCA Tracker S Best affordable
Read why
55 meters 7.2 oz 2 AAA 250 hours in transmit mode
Ortovox Diract Voice Best for beginners
Read why
50 meters 7.4 oz USB-rechargeable lithium-ion 200 hours in transmit mode
Mammut Barryvox S Best for advanced users
Read why
70 meters (up to 100 with extended search range) 7.4 oz 3 AAA 300 hours in transmit mode
Arva Neo BT Pro Best for multiple burials scenarios
Read why
80 (up to 90 with extended range) 7.5 oz 3 AAA up to 450 hours in transmit mode (with lithium batteries)
BCA Tracker 4
55 meters 7.6 oz 3 AAA 250 hours in transmit mode
Pieps Pro BT 60 m 7.9 oz 3 AAA 400 hours
Mammut Barryvox 70 meters 7.4 oz 3 AAA 300 hours
SOURCE: Manufacturers


The winners

Best overall avalanche beacon: Black Diamond Guide BT

Black Diamond Guide BT

Max range: 60 meters

Weight: 9.7 oz. 

Batteries: 3 AAA

Battery life: 400 hours in transmit mode

Bluetooth: yes

Features: flagging and multiple burials, bluetooth connectivity for software updates and training modes

Antenna: 3 

What we liked: good range, efficient search mode, great features, good at searching for multiple burials

What we didn’t like: expensive, on the heavy side

If you’re an avid winter backcountry adventurer, whether you’re a novice or have many seasons under your belt, the Black Diamond Guide BT is the best transceiver that’s intuitive to use while being loaded with features. This beacon has a good range and does well in the fine search (which includes moving the beacon back and forth close to the snow surface (bracketing) to home in on the victims exact location) too, and the additional features, like flagging, are straightforward. This transceiver has all the features most users want and need in a beacon without overcomplicating the use and keeping search times fast and efficient. It’s a mid-range beacon (by that, we mean it has a distance range that will meet most people's needs) with some high-end functionality. For these reasons, we think the Black Diamond Guide BT is the best all-around transceiver.

BLACK DIAMOND GUIDE BT

The Guide BT has a stated range of 60 meters and is equipped with multiple features for searching for buried victims. The on/off toggle is intuitive and easy to use with gloves on, though we found it sometimes takes a little pressure and effort to get it to slide quickly. When transitioning from transmit to search, the beacon uses vibrations to alert the user that you’re no longer in transmit mode. While testing alongside other beacons, we noticed that the Guide does well in both the long range and the fine search, and makes recovery quick and efficient. On top of that, the display screen shows important info on the screen, including the number of victims, which have been flagged, as well as distance and arrows that are easy to read and intuitive to understand.

Black Diamond Guide BT Toggle
BD Guide BT in search mode

When it comes to our tests for multiple burials, we found the flagging mode on this transceiver is easy to understand and use. It performed almost as well as the more high-end, advanced beacons in our test. The flagging is straightforward and intuitive and holds the flag in place for longer than other models, like the BCA beacons. We also appreciate smaller features, like the built-in inclinometer for gauging slope angles in the field.

Additionally, the Bluetooth connectivity allows users to connect to an app for any software updates and training. The Guide BT uses 3 AAA batteries for its power supply, and Black Diamond states an estimated battery life of 400 hours in send mode.

In our testing, we found that the Guide BT consistently picked up a signal around 55 meters, always very close to the stated 60 meter range. The processing speed was fast and accurate when bracketing, and the flagging function is quick and intuitive. The beacon transitions seamlessly to searching for the next victim after flagging—notably better than the BCA models we tested.

BD Guide BT

While the Guide BT is an excellent, efficient, and high-performance beacon, it is more expensive than other options on the market. The added features aren’t totally necessary for many users, so if you want to save a little money and a bit of weight, consider a beacon like the BCA Tracker 4. But if these features appeal to you, this beacon is worth the price and remains easy to use even though it also has more complex features than less expensive options.

This transceiver also comes recommended by Switchback Travel and Outdoor Gear Lab, the latter of whom gave it their editor’s choice award. Overall, for avid backcountry users, this is a feature-rich transceiver that is intuitive and easy to use, making the search faster and simpler. If you’re looking for an excellent beacon with pro-level features mixed with ease of use, this is the best one out there.


Best affordable avalanche beacon: BCA Tracker S

Backcountry Access Tracker S Avalanche Transceiver

Max range: 55 meters

Weight: 7.2 ounces

Batteries: 2 AAA

Battery life: 250 hours in transmit mode

What we liked: affordable and compact while still offering good range and search functions

What we didn’t like: not as many features as higher-end models, multiple burial search function not as good

Simplicity is often a good thing for avalanche transceivers, and that’s true with BCA’s Tracker S. This beacon is a paired down and more affordable version of their higher-end Tracker beacons. It has the same stated range as those higher-end beacons and still performs well in both long-range and fine search. While it doesn’t have as many features as other high-end beacons, it’s easy to use and an excellent choice for beginners who don’t want to spend too much on their gear but don’t want to skimp on safety. If you’re looking for a quality beacon at a good price, this is the one to go with.

BCA TRACKER S

BCA Tracker S

The Tracker S has a stated range of 55 meters—the same as their higher-end Tracker 4 beacon. That’s not quite as high as others in our test, but it’s still more than sufficient for performing strip searches in the long-range search. 

Regarding the fine search, this beacon was very accurate with bracketing during our tests, which made overall search times quicker than other beacons. This beacon’s flagging function for multiple burials is not as good as others in our test, but it is still an essential and effective feature. Specifically, the Tracker S (and other BCA beacons) doesn’t hold a flag for as long as other beacons, making a search for multiple burials less of a smooth process. 

One of the other things we like about the Tracker S is how light and compact it is. It’s one of the lightest and smallest in our test, making it more comfortable to carry in the harness or in a pocket. 

BCA trackerS toggle

When testing in search scenarios, we found that the Tracker S almost immediately picked up a signal at 55 meters. However, it didn’t hold consistently until we reached closer to 45 or 50 meters, then it maintained and guided us smoothly. It does well and is accurate in the fine search, though processing time is not quite as fast as higher-end models. Like the Tracker 4, this transceiver's flagging and multiple burial functions work well but are not as smooth and seamless as others we tested. After only one minute, the signal returns on a flagged victim, and the beacon takes a few seconds to recalibrate and begin searching accurately again after flagging. Nonetheless, we were surprised by how well the Tracker S performed against other, much more expensive models.

The display screen on the Tracker S is easy to read and understand, though it does not show as much information on the screen at all times as higher end units, like the Black Diamond, Mammut, or Arva ones. While distance and arrows always appear, the number of victims and flags are not shown on the screen at all times.

While the Tracker S is both efficient and sufficient for many users, it does not have as many features as others in our test. While it does have a flagging function for multiple burials, it’s not as good as others in our test. After flagging a victim, it only takes a minute or so for the transceiver to begin picking up that signal again, which can result in confusion. This is not a huge deal for many recreational users since multiple burial scenarios are less likely. However, if you’re an expert user or professional, you may want a beacon with more advanced features. But if you’re looking for something that is simple, safe, and affordable, this is a great option. 

The Tracker S also gets a nod from the testers over at Outdoor Gear Lab for its quality at an affordable price. If you want to get your avalanche rescue kit dialed on a budget, this beacon should be at the top of your list.


Best avalanche beacon for beginners: Ortovox Diract Voice

Ortovox Diract Voice Avalanche Beacon

Max range: 50 meters

Weight: 7.4 ounces

Batteries: USB-rechargeable lithium-ion 

Battery life: 200 hours in transmit mode

What we liked: intuitive to use, good search functions, light and compact

What we didn’t like: lower range, rechargeable battery may not be for everyone

If you’re new to traveling in avalanche terrain and want a beacon that will help you hone your rescue skills, look to the Diract Voice. This transceiver uses voice commands, along with the usual keys on the display screen, that help guide you in both the long-range and fine search. It has features that are an upgrade from simpler beacons, like the Tracker S, making it an excellent option to keep in your pocket as you progress.

ORTOVOX DIRACT VOICE

Ortovox In Search Mode

This beacon has a stated range of 50 meters, which is on the low end. However, we found that the Diract Voice makes up for that for the most part in its overall accuracy and efficiency. Search mode is intuitive and fast, and we found it has great accuracy when bracketing in the fine search. 

The flagging mode for multiple burials is quite good—more intuitive and easier to use than the BCA models, but not quite on par with higher-end transceivers like the Arva, Mammut, and Black Diamond ones we tested. 

The voice commands (which have multiple language options that you select when setting up the transceiver) with the Diract Voice are helpful reminders, especially for beginners. After giving initial directions for the long-range search, it instructs the user to “go down to the snow surface” to begin bracketing. Even as more experienced users, we appreciated the reminder in testing. In addition to the voice commands, the screen is also easy to read, clearly displaying info like distance, arrows, flags and victims, as well as helpful graphics that initially show things like searching in 40 meter strips. When it comes to functionality with gloves on, this transceiver is one of the easiest to use; we specifically like the flip switch at the top of the unit that transitions from transmit to search mode.

In our tests, the Diract Voice picked up a signal around 40 meters, which is on the lower end compared to others. But once it got the signal, it held it and maintained good accuracy in both the long-range and fine search. 

Ortovox On Off

Overall, this is a great transceiver with good speed and functionality in the search. When it comes to downsides, there aren’t many. First, the max range is a little lower than others in our test, but we think that this is not a concern for most recreational users, especially considering how well it performs in the search overall.

Second, the battery for this beacon is a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (not replaceable like all the others in our test). Overall, this is not necessarily a deal-breaker or even a downside—the battery is designed to perform well in cold conditions, it charges remarkably fast, and has a battery life that’s comparable to others in our test. But, if you prefer having the option to replace batteries rather than recharging, this may be a turn-off. 

Overall, we still think this is an excellent beacon, with features that are especially helpful for beginners, but with enough functionality for more advanced users, too. The Diract Voice also comes recommended by Switchback Travel and Outdoor Gear Lab, with both noting its usefulness for new users. If you want an intuitive transceiver that offers a bit of extra help with direction in the search, this should be your top choice. 


Best avalanche beacon for advanced users: Mammut Barryvox S

Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon

Max range: 70 meters (up to 100 with extended search range)

Weight: 7.4 oz.

Batteries: 3 AAA

Battery life: 300 hours in transmit mode

What we liked: long range, excellent features, and search function for experts

What we didn’t like: expensive, more than most recreational users need

For expert users and professionals, no transceiver we considered for this review matches the features and search range of the Barryvox S. If you’re a professional rescuer, expert backcountry user, or avalanche educator, this is a top-of-the-line, fully-featured transceiver. With the long max range, smart search functions, analog functionality, and multiple burial search function, this is the best beacon for backcountry experts.

MAMMUT BARRYVOX S

Let’s start with the search range: The effective digital search range (what you’d use in normal search mode) of this transceiver is 70 meters, higher than most others in our test. But for pro users, switching to search in analog mode ups that range to about 100 meters—more than any transceiver we considered. This means that the range is excellent for average recreational users, but the added range in analog is especially useful for professional rescuers who know how to use it. It works very fast and excels in situations with multiple burials. The display screen on this beacon is clear and easy to read while displaying a great deal of information to the rescuer.

While the Barryvox S is highly functional, it is also the most expensive in our test, though we think you get what you pay for if you know how to use it. Aside from the cost, this is not the best beacon for beginner users. All the added features make this beacon slightly more complicated to use than others, so if you’re new to avalanche rescue, opt for a different transceiver that’s simpler and more intuitive, like the Diract Voice. If you’re an expert but maybe not a professional and don’t want to drop the extra cash, consider the still feature-packed Black Diamond Guide BT.

While we were not able to test this transceiver ourselves, multiple media reviews, along with recommendations from professional skiers and avalanche rescuers confirm that this is a top-performing beacon ideal for professionals. Outdoor Gear Lab recommends it, noting its functionality for experts, along with Switchback Travel and Wild Snow. It’s very clear that this is the top choice for most professionals in the field, and for good reason.


Best avalanche beacon for for multiple burial scenarios: Arva Neo BT Pro

Arva Neo BT Pro Avalanche Beacon

Max range: 80 (up to 90 with extended range)

Weight: 7.5 oz.

Batteries: 3 AAA

Battery life: up to 450 hours in transmit mode (with lithium batteries)

What we liked: good range, excellent features, highly efficient in multiple burial scenarios

What we didn’t like: bulky, not as good in fine search

The Arva Neo BT Pro is another transceiver that leans on the high-end side when it comes to features and functionality, and it excels particularly well with multiple burial scenarios. If that’s a priority for you, or if you want a fully-featured transceiver that comes at a lower cost than the Mammut Barryvox S, this should be at the top of your list. 

ARVA NEO BT PRO

Arva Neo BT Pro

The range of the Neo BT Pro lingers at the top of the charts, right with the high-performing Barryvox S. The max range in digital mode is even higher than the Barryvox S, at 80 meters; switch to the analog search mode for a 90 meter search range. With multiple burials, the display screen shows up to 4 victims at a time for flagging, but can flag more than that with the scroll mode. All of this information is displayed on the screen and easy to read. The Neo BT Pro has a host of other useful features, including a group check mode and bluetooth compatibility that allows you to connect to the Arva app for software updates and training modes. Overall, this transceiver is a little more user-friendly for recreational users, compared to the Barryvox S. 

We also think that for the features it includes, this transceiver is an excellent value for the price. If you don’t need the added features, you’ll spend less on a simpler beacon like the Tracker S. But if you want a high-end beacon at a good price, the Neo BT Pro is worth it.


Other avalanche beacons we tested and considered

Backcountry Access Tracker4 Avalanche Transceiver

BCA Tracker 4

Max range: 55 meters

Weight: 7.6 oz.

Battery: 3 AAA

Battery life: 250 hours in transmit mode

If you’re looking for a great all-around transceiver at a reasonable price that’s an upgrade from BCA’s more minimal Tracker S, the Tracker 4 is a great option. This is a well-rounded beacon that has all the features we expect a mid-range model to have while being straightforward and fast in the search, all at a reasonable price. The Tracker 4 was a contender for our best overall beacon, but the Black Diamond Guide BT took the cake for its added features, range, and ease of use in multiple burials. We thought that was all worth the higher price tag. But if you are not as keen on having the bluetooth compatibility and want a great transceiver without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice.

BCA TRACKER 4

BCA Tracker4 Toggle

The Tracker 4 performed in the middle of the pack with range, picking up a signal just below the stated range at around 50 meters in our tests. It’s fast and accurate in the long range search and while bracketing. Where it lacks compared to the Guide BT and other high-end beacons is in flagging multiple burials. It takes a minute to recalibrate after flagging, and each signal remains flagged for only one minute, like the Tracker S. However, this is an efficient and intuitive transceiver that is one of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. It’s a solid option at a solid price and we have no hesitation recommending this for recreational users.


Black Diamond PIEPS Pro BT Avalanche Beacon

Max range: 60 m

Weight: 7.9 oz

Battery: 3AAA

Battery life: 400 hours

The Pieps Pro BT is functionally the same as our best overall winner, the Black Diamond Guide BT. (Pieps is under the same parent company as Black Diamond.) There are some cosmetic differences, but we did not test this model because of its similarity to the Black Diamond. It offers the same range and features. If for some reason you prefer the looks or color of this model better, we recommend it just as heartily as we do the Guide BT.

PIEPS PRO BT


Mammut Barryvox Avalanche Beacon

Max range: 70 meters

Weight: 7.4 oz.

Battery: 3 AAA

Battery life: 300 hours

The Barryvox is a step down in features and price from Mammut’s top-end Barryvox S. This is a paired down model that’s much more affordable than the S while still maintaining great functionality. With a range of 70 meters, this version still beats out many other models on the market. Like the S, the Barryvox is still not quite as intuitive as other models, but it is still a very high-performing model that offers more range and capability than others in its price range.


Understanding avalanche beacons

How does an avalanche beacon work?

An avalanche transceiver works by using multiple antennas to locate the signal of a buried victim’s transceiver. A backcountry user wears a beacon on their body anytime they’re in avalanche terrain with the beacon set to “send” or “transmit” mode. This way, if they’re caught and buried in an avalanche, any unburied partners in their party can use their transceivers in “search” mode to locate the victim's body. 

Different types of avalanche beacons: analog, digital, and hybrid

Originally, the first avalanche beacons on the market had only one antenna and those are referred to as analog. Now, modern beacons use three antennas that are processed through the beacon’s computer to provide a more accurate signal for searching. Some high-end beacons can be used in both modes, which can be helpful to increase the range in the long range search, but this is a feature used mostly by well-trained experts and professionals. 

While there are still some beacons out there with two antennas, all modern models are made with 3 antennas and that should be a top priority (if you’re still using a Tracker 2, it’s time to upgrade). All of the beacons we considered and tested for this review are 3-antenna digital transceivers.  

Signal range and search capabilities

All transceivers have a stated functional range—that means the longest distance at which the beacon should be able to pick up the signal of a buried victim. Most professionals recommend beginning your initial search in 40-meter strips, which means that a range of 40 meters and up is considered good. However, some models can go up to 80 meters or more in their range. 

Transceivers also have different functions and features in the search mode that aid in a rescue. This includes arrows to direct you in the initial search and signals that indicate it’s time to begin bracketing close to the snow surface once you’ve reached 2-3 meters in distance from the victim. Most modern beacons also have a flagging function that allows you to search for multiple signals in the event more than one person is buried.


Comparing Avalanche Beacons Testing

How to choose an avalanche beacon

Here are some factors to consider when choosing an avalanche beacon. 

Range and Accuracy

Range is important to consider in an avalanche beacon, though that’s not the only factor for a swift rescue. A good beacon should have at least a 40 meter max range, though we recommend ones with around 50-60 meters at least, and all of the transceivers in this test have a stated range of at least 50 meters. Modern beacons have three antennas, and the antenna that sends and receives the signal is the same, while the other two help with direction and depth measurements. The range at which a transceiver will pick up the signal of another depends on many factors, including the orientation and depth of the buried vitctim’s transceiver. So, even if a beacon has a particular stated range, that can vary greatly in the field. 

Accuracy is just as important as the stated range, since that makes the search faster and more efficient when seconds really matter. Look for a transceiver that’s as accurate as possible in both the long range and the fine search.

Multiple burial capability

Multiple burial scenarios are less common than single burials overall in avalanche accidents, but they do happen. We think no matter what it’s still good to have a transceiver with a flagging function to track multiple burials. This means that you can flag and thus suppress the signal of a beacon once you’ve located the victim and other members of the search party have begun to dig them out, while you continue searching for other signals of other buried victims. Some transceivers have better functionality with this feature than others.

Display and user interface

The screen display on your beacon should be clear and easy to read, even when wearing sunglasses or goggles. All of the ones in our test have a clear and readable screen, but they vary in what is actually shown on the display. Some show how many victims are buried and/or flagged at all times, while others show this only at certain times. Some have one arrow while others have a couple. Overall, the most important thing is that the user interface is intuitive and easy to use and understand in high stress situations.

Durability

Beacons are made to be brought out into the elements and are often made with similar materials and therefore have similar durability. However, it’s important to take good care of your transceiver no matter how durable it may be. Always wear it with the screen facing in towards your body, whether it’s in a case or a beacon pocket. 

Battery life

Battery life is another consideration with beacons, though many have similar ranges for this. It can vary from 200-400 hours of time in transmit mode, but more important than the battery life itself is that you’re always heading out into the field with enough juice. Each beacon displays the battery life when turned on, and most manufacturers will have a stated percentage or point when you should change them before use again.

Bluetooth connectivity

Many newer beacons now have bluetooth connectivity. This feature is not for use in an actual burial scenario, but it is helpful for updating the software of your beacon. Most bluetooth beacons can connect to an app that has training modes to help you brush up on your skills.

Additional Features 

Some transceivers have additional bells and whistles that can be useful in the field, including reminders to do a group check—this usually gives an alert when you first turn the beacon on. Some also have built-in inclinometers that can be useful in helping to determine the steepness of a slope.


Tips for avalanche beacon use and maintenance

Proper training and practice

While it’s essential to carry a beacon (and other rescue gear) with you anytime you head into avalanche terrain, it’s only useful if you are trained and know how to use it. Take avalanche education courses and rescue courses and use your personal beacon in them. Refresh your skills and practice with friends and ski partners at the beginning of each season to stay sharp.

Regular maintenance and testing

You should always inspect your beacon thoroughly at the beginning of each season. Check the battery compartment for any corrosion and ensure the screen has not been damaged. Turn your beacon on, check that all functions work and that the signal is still strong at 40 meters or more. If you know you won't be using it for a while (like in the summer), remove the batteries to prevent corrosion.

Staying updated with beacon technology

Any winter backcountry enthusiast should be staying up to date and always be learning about the latest beacon technology as well as the latest developments in rescue methods. Keep your skills sharp and upgrade your gear when it’s time. Having up-to-date safety gear is a lot more important than having a new pair of skis with flashy topsheets.


Avalanche beacon interference

Because avalanche beacons work off of a radio signal, there can be interference from other electronics. For this reason, you should keep other devices, like cell phones and radios as far as you can from your beacon—BCA recommends at least 8 inches between your beacon and any other device. 


Comparing Avalanche Beacon

FAQ

Are different avalanche beacons compatible with each other?

All avalanche transceivers operate with the same radio signal, so no matter what brand or model you have, it can pick up other avalanche transceivers and vice versa. 

Do avalanche beacons make noise?

Most beacons make beeping noises that help you in your search—the beep may get faster or have a different tone as you get closer to a buried victim. They also often make noise to alert you when you’ve switched from different modes, like sending and receiving. Beacons like the Ortovox Diract Voice even speak to users to help clarify search instructions. The level of noise made by the beacons we tested is pretty similar between models. All of them are loud enough to hear with a hat/helmet on.

Are avalanche beacons waterproof?

Avalanche beacons are generally water-resistant, but they are meant to be stored on your body in their harness or in a secure beacon pocket and are not fully waterproof. Your beacon is an electronic device, so keeping it dry and out of the elements is always a good idea. While your beacon may see some snow contact during training and practice, or in the unfortunate event of a real rescue, it should otherwise be stored in a safe and dry place.

What is the difference between an avalanche beacon and transceiver?

These two terms are used interchangeably within the snowsports industry. So if it’s an “avalanche beacon” or an “avalanche transceiver” it's the same thing with slightly different names.


How we researched and tested

We began by researching the top avalanche beacons on the market. We considered the vital features like range, speed, and ease-of-use and selected the top performers based on expert advice from professional guides, pro skiers, along with other trusted media reviews. 

From there, we tested the top models ourselves to compare performance. We performed multiple different tests with the transceivers, checking the range, speed, and accuracy, along with testing other functions like flagging. We compared speed, accuracy, and user-friendliness side-by-side with the beacons in both single and multiple burial scenarios to determine the best performers.


stasia stockwell skiing in japan

Why you should trust us

A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy street.. She’s a lifelong skier and has been touring in the backcountry for nearly a decade, making turns in places from Southeast Alaska to Japan. Most of her backcountry ski experience comes from time spent in her home mountains in Colorado—a place with a notoriously touchy and dangerous snowpack that helps to keep her skills for traveling in avalanche terrain sharp. She has her AIARE Level 1, Level 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications, and is working towards her Pro level certifications so that she can teach avalanche education herself. 

After spending a few seasons as a guide in Southeast Alaska, Stasia transitioned to freelance writing within the outdoor industry. She has a decade’s worth of outdoor gear testing under her belt and her bylines can be found in 5280, Ski, Backpacker, and REI’s Uncommon Path, among others. She’s also the managing editor of the print zine, Trails Magazine. In her free time, if there’s snow on the ground, she’s skiing. In the other “not winter” months, she’s usually riding her bike or backpacking somewhere deep in the backcountry.