Understand the objective is to "read" the terrain and minimize the potential for a slide in the first place. But even so, I refuse to ride with others that do not have beacons, a shovel and probe. Without them, they can't save my life and I can't save theirs. I was caught in a slide east of Togwotee Mount Lodge 7 years ago along with a buddy of mine. 150 ft tall, wind loaded hill. We didn't know the signs to watch for. We were not wearing beacons (his was at home, I took mine off). When the slide stopped I was partially buried (arm and head out), so I could get myself out. My buddy was completely burried about 2 feet under. Thankfully a ski was sticking out, and a local guide passing by who came to help knew that he would most likely be within 20-30 feet of the sled. (Everything that starts together most likely comes to rest together). They found him with probes and he survived. With the right equipment, we would have found him sooner. Without a knowledgeable person coming by with the right equipment, he might not be so fortunate.
After numerous classes and field work, I'm as prepared as I can be. Yet, I hope that I never have to use the skills for real, whether its my friend, or someone that I stop to help because they didn't take the time, or spend the money, to maximize the odds that they will make it home that day.
Compared the amount of money spent on machine, riding equipment, trip costs, food/drinks, etc - $300 for a beacon is nothing.
When beacons first came into the snowmobile industry, there was a business in Cooke that rented them. when asked why they do that - the reply was so that they could locate an avalanche victim after the accident and send the body home so that the family could have closure. Thankfully many mountain riders are taking safety more seriously. It might save your life .... or the life of someone you know.
