Snowsafe Blog

Why add a Recco Reflector to your protective ski helmet? 🪖

The Recco reflector is a small non-powered device, which is the size of a band-aid. It weighs less than four grams and has been designed for snowboarders and skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.  

The two-part system, which features a passive reflector, which is carried by the user, and an active detector, which is carried by the rescue services.

In this blog post, we will take a look at how this technology works and why it is important to add a Recco to your protective ski helmet.

How does Recco work?

The Recco detector emits a directional radar signal. This is like a flashlight’s beam. Once the signal from the radar hits the reflector, it will then be echoed back, reaching the detector.

This ensures that the rescuer can see where the victim is. The returned-signal is going to get stronger the closer that the detector gets to the reflector.

This will ultimately make sure that the rescuer can pinpoint the location of the victim.

Why are protective ski helmets important?

Studies indicated that only 25% of those on the slopes in 2003 wore ski helmets. By 2013, that figure rocketed to over 70% of those skiing and snowboarding.

While the number of head injuries on the slopes has not declined, the severity of those injuries has definitely improved due to new technologies and people actually wearing a ski helmet. 

A solid MIPS integrated ski helmet can stop strain to the brain and prevent major injuries when impacting with the snow or objects. 

Combining a MIPS integrated ski helmet with a Recco rescue reflector sticker is of huge importance for two reasons, protecting your head from serious injury and allowing mountain rescue teams to track you in an emergency situation.

Where’s the best position to apply the Recco Reflector and why?

The Recco Reflector has been designed to be attached to your ski helmet, and so this is where the reflector should be positioned. 

Application:

1. Apply the reflector to a smooth and fully cleaned surface high up on the helmet at room temperature.
2. Firmly press the reflector into place ensuring full contact over the entire surface area.
3. Be sure to allow at least 24 hours for the reflector to properly adhere to the surface.

This position also gives the SAR Reco Rescue Helicopter the best opportunity of locating you.  

Can these Recco reflectors be removed? 

NO this can not be removed, the whole purpose of the Recco reflector is so that mountain rescue services can find you in an emergency. This means that they will not be removed with ease. 

This also stops the reflector from riping off in a snow slide. 

Should my children wear Recco reflectors?

Yes, it is highly recommended that your children wear Recco reflectors. This is a must-have for any winter sports holidays. 

So there you have its, some information on the Recco reflector. We hope that this has helped you to get a better understanding of this product and why it is a must!

This product will ensure that rescuers have the best possible chance of finding you if something goes wrong.

Snowsafe Blogs:

It’s important to stay safe and have the correct training when skiing or snowboarding off-piste please check out further blogs below:

• What is a Recco reflector and why should you always wear one?
• Why do mountain rescue services set off controlled avalanches and how?
• Snowsafe top 10 products for winter season 19/20 
• Mountain rescue dogs in avalanche situations
• Mountain Rescue Drones Saving skiers lives from avalanches
• Could there be an app on your phone that is an Avalanche Transceiver?

If you would like to feature a blog about your organisation or experience in the snow please feel free to contact us on info@snowsafe.co.uk or 01273 737676. We are happy to take guest blogs linking back to your website.