Where to Ski And Snowboard - Mountain rescue carry RECCO detectors in Italy

Mountain rescue carry RECCO detectors in Italy

1st October 2021, by Abi Butcher

All search and rescue helicopters in Italy now carry RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors

Search and rescue helicopters across Italy are now equipped with RECCO detectors, making the Alpine country the second in the world to be entirely covered by the technology.

RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors are based at Aosta, Trento, Val Gardena and with the latest addition at Abruzzo, the entire country is covered for search operations using RECCO detectors. The first country to be entirely covered with RECCO detection was Austria, in 2018.

While skiers who head off piste are advised to wear avalanche transceivers and take shovels and probes in case of an accident, RECCO technology works on an entirely different system.

RECCO reflectors are lightweight, passive responders integrated in over 150 brands

RECCO reflectors are lightweight, passive transponders that require no power or activation to function. They are integrated in more than 150 brands including jackets, pants, helmets, back protectors, boots, watches and even harnesses and transceivers — and make you searchable to professional mountain rescue teams in the event of an accident, whether that’s an avalanche or a fall.

RECCO technology has been used all over the world by mountain rescuers and ski resorts worldwide, for many years, and Italian search and rescue teams have been working with the technology for a long time.

Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region said: “In Italy, there have been three RECCO SAR helicopter detectors based in Aosta, Trento and Bolzano. Having a RECCO detector is a great resource for Abruzzo, after Valle d’Aosta and Trentino. This important tool makes it possible to search for people both under the snow and on the surface, for increased safety and prevention in our mountains.”

There are now 21 RECCOR SAR Helicopter Detectors worldwide, with seven in North America and 14 units across Europe — in Austria (Innsbruck, Graz, Linz, Hohenhems), Sweden, Norway and Switzerland (Zermatt and Sion) as well as Italy.

Pic: Helicopters in Italy and Austria all carry RECCO detectors. Pic: Anton Enerlov Photography