How does the RECCO® Avalanche Rescue System work?

The RECCO® avalanche rescue system is a radar-based collection of detectors and reflectors that are used to locate recreationists who have been buried in an avalanche or lost in the backcountry. Designed specifically for use by professional rescue crews, the RECCO system features a hand-held or helicopter-mounted directional radar signal that is capable of pinpointing RECCO reflectors—tiny antennas which are integrated into winter jackets, snow pants, and other outdoor equipment—underneath snow and other debris.

With unique technology and a rich history rooted in the outdoors, the RECCO system is widely considered a valuable safety system that can increase your chances of being found if you become caught in an avalanche or lost outdoors.

A Brief History of the RECCO Avalanche Rescue System

An avalanche that claimed the life of Magnus Granhed’s friend in 1973 inspired him to develop a more modern system for locating avalanche victims using electronic technology. His idea was to create a system to find a buried person electronically. He enlisted the help of Professor Bengt Enander, at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden (KTH), and the two began their work.

The initial idea was to re-purpose an existing technology that had been developed for detecting tumors in humans. Their theory was that a sensor capable of finding a tumor in a human might be able to find a human in snow. However, field testing proved this method to be unsuccessful. It was clear that an antenna would need to be worn to have any chance of locating a burial victim.

Taking what they learned, they began experimenting with harmonic radar technology (which had never been used before) combined with a wearable antenna. Peter Fuchs, a PhD at KTH, joined the project to help determine if this new approach could work. It was successful, so the group of innovators began the development of a passive transponder that could be worn by skiers, and the RECCO reflector was born.

The first prototype of the RECCO system was finalized in the early 1980s, but it was extremely heavy and only had a working range of three feet (one meter). However, the system was innovative enough to get the attention of Beat Perren, owner of Air Zermatt, a Swiss helicopter company that specialized in logistics and mountain rescue operations. With the support of their Head of Rescue, the RECCO team now had an expert to guide the development of the rescue system further.

The first R1 commercial RECCO system debuted in 1983, with more compact versions following soon afterward. Each version was increasingly more compact thanks to the miniaturization of electronic components that was simultaneously taking place because of developing cellular phone technology. As of 2022, the R9 RECCO detector weighs in at just 2.2-pounds (one kilogram), which is a full 33-pounds (15 kilograms) lighter than the original R1.

Today, roughly 150 brands (including Burton) incorporate millions of RECCO reflectors into their outdoor products. Additionally, there are more than 900 ski resorts, rescue groups, and helicopter companies currently utilizing RECCO detectors.

The RECCO Avalanche Rescue System Explained

The RECCO avalanche rescue system is comprised of two basic components: a detector and a reflector. Both components work together to locate lost or buried recreationists, but it is important to understand the limitations of the system so that you can ski or ride safely.

Parts of the RECCO Rescue System

RECCO technology helps rescuers locate buried avalanche victims using a simple two-part system consisting of a compact, directional radar emitter, and a tiny antenna. The antenna is available as a feature incorporated into ski and snowboarding outerwear or as a standalone attachable RECCO reflector that can be connected to a backpack, helmet, or other outdoor sporting equipment.

• RECCO Reflector: RECCO reflectors are small reflectors (specifically, antennas) that are approximately the size of a stick of chewing gum. They do not require any power or activation to be functional. They are encased in a flexible piece of plastic and are generally attached to the outside of snowboarding jackets and snow pants. A RECCO reflector must be present for rescue crews to be able to locate you using a RECCO detector. So long as RECCO reflectors are not physically damaged, they are designed to last a lifetime and will never wear out.
• R9 Handheld RECCO Detector: The R9 Handheld RECCO Detector is a 2.2-pound (one kilogram) battery-powered radar-emitting device that is standard equipment at 900+ ski areas, rescue organizations, and helicopter companies around the world. The handheld detector can locate a RECCO reflector up to 262.5 feet (80 meters) away through air, and up to 65.5 feet (20 meters) away through packed snow.
• RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector: The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector was designed for searching large areas fast. It is mounted directly to the underside of a helicopter and—at an elevation of 328 feet (100 meters)–can effectively search 247 square acres (one square kilometer) in as little as six minutes.

How does the RECCO Avalanche Rescue System work?

If a skier or snowboarder is caught in an avalanche in an area where the RECCO avalanche rescue system is utilized, and rescue crews are alerted, a search can begin. Here’s how the rescue typically works.

1. Rescuers receive notification of an accident and are dispatched.
2. After arriving at the scene of the avalanche, they can begin searching the debris field. Using a R9 Handheld RECCO Detector, they will sweep back and forth across the area, following a strategic pattern.
3. If the radar signal that is emitted from the detector is pointed at a RECCO Reflector and is within 60 feet (20 meters), it will bounce back, like the light from a flashlight reflecting off a mirror.
4. When this happens, an audio signal is heard from the detector. Rescuers can then use avalanche probes to pinpoint the location of the victim under the snow and begin digging them out.

Note: Because all rescue crews have their own protocols and techniques, actual avalanche rescues may differ from the scenario described above. However, the mechanics of how the RECCO system works remain the same.

Is RECCO the same as an Avalanche Transceiver or Beacon?

The RECCO system is not the same as an avalanche transceiver (also known as an avalanche beacon), and this is extremely important to understand. However, the RECCO system does not interfere with transceivers and offers an additional way to locate a buried person.

Avalanche transceivers are battery-powered radio frequency transmitters that operate on the 457 kilohertz frequency. Transceivers must be used in pairs of two or more to function and are commonly used by backcountry skiers and snowboarders. When worn correctly and paired with proper training and gear (shovel and probe), avalanche transceivers are the single best option for companion backcountry rescue.

Note: Avalanche transceivers cannot detect or locate RECCO Reflectors. NEVER go into the backcountry unless you have the proper equipment and know how to use it; you and your partners’ lives are literally at stake.

Getting the Best Odds of Survival with RECCO

Even with the right avalanche gear, there is never a guarantee of safety when it comes to sidecountry/backcountry travel. As a reminder: Understand that absolutely no one should ever go into the backcountry alone, and/or without knowledge of the terrain, weather, and snowpack, as well as all the necessary safety equipment for the terrain they're using and a practiced working knowledge of how to use that safety equipment.

With that said, investing in a RECCO-equipped Burton jacket and RECCO-equipped Burton snow pants is one way to stack the odds in your favor when you are riding at places where RECCO is used as a safety system.

Pro tip: Review How to Get Started with Backcountry Snowboarding for more information on backcountry/sidecountry best practices.

RECCO Can Help You all Year Long

Even though RECCO is widely known as an avalanche rescue system, it can be used to locate recreationists all year long. Using the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector, large areas of terrain can be quickly searched. For this reason, many backcountry travelers have come to rely on RECCO-equipped backpacks, rainwear, and other gear for an additional layer of outdoor safety.

Should I wear a RECCO Reflector?

Whether you’re just getting started with snowboarding, or are an experienced backcountry rider, having a RECCO Reflector adds an additional margin of safety. If you plan to spend time riding sidecountry/backcountry terrain, investing in the gear (beacon, shovel, probe, RECCO Reflector) and the education (snowpack assessment, rescue and recovery protocols, fundamental backcountry decision-making) could potentially save a life.

And remember, even if you do not plan to ride sidecountry/backcountry terrain, there are no special skills or training required to wear a RECCO Reflector and enjoy the added margin of safety it provides at your local ski area.