At the trailhead, make sure everyone has all the necessary equipment.
Account for beacons, probes, shovels, slope meters, and repair and first aid kits.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115165122im_/http://www.fsavalanche.org/uploads/images/trailhead_snowing.jpg)
Discuss your plan for the day, but keep your mind open to alternatives if conditions dictate. Base these decisions on the data you gather as you travel.
Conduct a group beacon test.
- Wear your beacon under your jacket on your top layer of clothing, not in a pocket or in your pack.
- Test your partners' beacons by switching your beacon to receive on the lowest setting, and walk up to each person, checking for a signal.
- Or stand in the trail with your beacon on receive, and check signals as each person skis by.
- Do a quick beacon practice - put your beacon in your glove or plastic bag and hide it in the snow bank. Have a friend find it. You will be glad they practiced if they ever have to find you.
Next Section: Low Risk Ascent
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115165122im_/http://www.fsavalanche.org/uploads/images/at_trailhead1.jpg)
|