ARVA & Lagoped: A partnership for ski touring safety
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Time to read 3 min
The mountain is a terrain that demands caution and preparation. It is in this spirit that ARVA, an expert in avalanche safety equipment for 40 years, and Lagoped, a French brand of responsible outdoor clothing, join forces to remind you of the basics of safety in ski touring.
ARVA: 40 Years of Expertise in Safety
A History Rooted in the Heart of the Alps
Since 1984, the family brand ARVA has designed and manufactured its avalanche safety equipment in France. In Annecy and Grenoble, its passionate engineers and experts develop high-performance and reliable safety devices. Plastic parts are injection molded in Besançon, and final assembly is done in the Vosges. This location ensures optimal quality and full control of the manufacturing process.
@Charlotte Martin & Nicolas Plain
Innovation Serving Adventurers
ARVA’s core expertise is the development of avalanche victim detectors (DVA). For 40 years, the brand has continuously innovated to improve the speed and accuracy of searches during accidents, where every second counts.
ARVA’s airbag backpacks are another essential safety device. Thanks to a lightweight, reliable, and compact dual airbag system, they increase buoyancy to prevent burial in case of an avalanche.
Lagoped: Technical and Responsible Clothing
A Brand Committed to Sustainable Mountains
Founded in 2018 in Annecy by mountain enthusiasts and a high mountain guide, Lagoped designs technical and eco-friendly clothing in Europe, using recycled and recyclable materials, without PFAS. As the first French textile brand to publish its eco-score, Lagoped advocates for more responsible manufacturing and consumption.
A Design Made to Last
Unlike fleeting fashion trends, Lagoped develops timeless essentials, designed to be worn and then repaired. Its clothing supports adventurers in the long term, thus reducing their environmental impact.
Lagoped is also a partner of the National Union of High Mountain Guides and equips many professionals (guides, rescuers, doctors, refuge keepers, etc.) through its ambassador team, the Lagoped Family.
Shared Values and Vision
This partnership is based on strong convictions shared by both brands:
Passion for the mountains: every product is designed to maximize outdoor enjoyment and performance.
Commitment: in the mountains, every outing requires careful preparation. ARVA and Lagoped embody this responsibility.
Freedom: backcountry skiing and freeride offer a unique freedom. Choose your line, follow your instinct, explore wide open spaces.
Sharing: the mountain is a place for connection and exchange.
Respect for nature: the mountain is above all a fragile ecosystem to protect. ARVA and Lagoped are committed to more responsible manufacturing.
Our Tips for Safety in Backcountry Skiing
Backcountry skiing allows you to explore the mountains away from the slopes, but traveling in unsecured snowy terrain involves risks that must be managed. Good preparation and appropriate equipment are essential.
1. Have the right safety equipment
Before each outing, make sure you are equipped with your avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, and know how to use them. The airbag backpack is a key element that can improve your chances of survival in case of an avalanche.
2. Analyze snow and weather conditions
Conditions change rapidly in the mountains. Always check the Avalanche Risk Estimation Bulletin (BERA) before heading out, analyze the snowpack stability, and adjust your route accordingly.
3. Prepare and adapt your route
Plan your outing with a thorough study of the terrain: exposure, slopes, deposition zones, critical altitudes. Prepare fallback options and stay flexible according to changing conditions.
4. Never go alone and ensure the group’s competence
A mountain outing is a collective responsibility. Every group member must be equipped with an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe, know rescue protocols, and be able to make informed decisions in case of unexpected events.
5. Train and educate yourself regularly
Mountain safety relies on practice. At the start of each season, take part in a practical avalanche safety course with professionals to improve your skills, review search and rescue techniques, and get familiar with your equipment.
6. Test and deepen your knowledge
You can assess your level and review the basics of mountain safety through a free online training or by downloading the ARVA app:
👉 Snow Safety Program
The mountain is a demanding environment where experience never replaces vigilance. Let’s adopt the right reflexes and be responsible to fully enjoy every outing!
Join Our Contest!
To celebrate this partnership, ARVA and Lagoped offer you the chance to win a complete set of equipment for your ski touring outings: a DVA EVO BT and a technical CORUJA down jacket!
To participate, just register before March 31, 2025.
