ARVA & Lagoped: A partnership for ski touring safety

The mountains are terrain that demands caution and preparation. With this in mind, ARVA, an expert in avalanche safety equipment for 40 years, and Lagoped , a French brand of responsible outdoor clothing, have joined forces to remind people of the basics of ski touring safety.

Since 1984, the family-owned ARVA brand has been designing and manufacturing its avalanche safety equipment in France . In Annecy and Grenoble, its passionate engineers and experts develop high-performance, reliable safety devices. The plastic parts are injected in Besançon, and final assembly is carried out in the Vosges mountains. This location guarantees optimal quality and total control of the manufacturing process.

ARVA's core business is the development of avalanche victim detectors (DVA) . For 40 years, the brand has been constantly innovating to improve the speed and accuracy of searches in the event of an accident, where every second counts.

Another essential safety feature is ARVA airbags . Featuring a lightweight, reliable, and compact dual airbag system , they increase buoyancy to prevent burial in the event of an avalanche.

Founded in 2018 in Annecy by mountain enthusiasts and a mountain guide, Lagoped designs technical and eco-responsible clothing in Europe , from recycled and recyclable materials, without PFAS. The first French textile brand to publish its eco-score , Lagoped campaigns for more responsible manufacturing and consumption.

Unlike fleeting fashion trends, Lagoped develops timeless essentials , designed to be worn and then repaired. Its clothing accompanies adventurers over the long term, thus reducing their environmental impact.

Lagoped is also a partner of the National Union of High Mountain Guides and equips numerous professionals (guides, rescuers, doctors, refuge wardens, etc.) through its ambassador team, the Lagoped Family .

This partnership is based on strong convictions shared by both brands:

• Passion for the mountains : each product is designed to maximize outdoor pleasure and performance.

• Commitment : In the mountains, every outing requires careful preparation. ARVA and Lagoped embody this responsibility.

• Freedom : Ski touring and freeriding offer a unique freedom. Choose your line, follow your instincts, explore the great outdoors.

• Sharing : the mountain is a place of connection and exchange.

• Respect for nature : the mountain is, above all, a fragile ecosystem that must be protected. ARVA and Lagoped are committed to more responsible manufacturing.

Ski touring allows you to explore the mountains far from the slopes, but navigating unsafe snowy terrain involves risks that must be managed. Proper preparation and the right equipment are essential.

Before each outing, make sure you are equipped with your avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, and that you know how to use them. The airbag is a key component that can improve your chances of survival in the event of an avalanche.

Conditions change rapidly in the mountains. Always consult the Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin (BERA) before setting out, analyze the stability of the snowpack, and adapt your route accordingly.

Plan your outing with a thorough study of the terrain: exposure, slopes, deposition zones, critical altitudes. Plan for fallback options and remain flexible as conditions change.

A mountain outing is a collective responsibility. Each member of the group must be equipped with an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, be familiar with rescue protocols, and be able to make informed decisions in the event of an unforeseen event.

Mountain safety is all about practice. At the start of each season, take a hands-on avalanche safety course with professionals to hone your skills, review search and extraction techniques, and familiarize yourself with your equipment.

You can assess your level and review the fundamentals of mountain safety with free online training or by downloading the ARVA application:
👉 Snow Safety Program

The mountains are demanding terrain where experience is no substitute for vigilance. Let's adopt the right reflexes and be responsible to fully enjoy every outing!

To celebrate this partnership, ARVA and Lagoped are offering you the chance to win a complete set of equipment for your ski touring outings: an EVO BT DVA and a CORUJA technical down jacket!

To participate, simply register before March 31, 2025.