Just a couple of days ago, I heard about something called an avalanche air bag, intended for snowmobilers. It's apparently a closed (can be repacked), bright orange bag that you wear on your back, with an attached CO2 tank. When you realize you're in the path of an avalanche, you pull the trigger and the bag inflates, and it keeps you near the surface when you finally stop. A beacon is also highly recommended.

The gentleman said they have been around for years, but are quite expensive (~ $1000). He said if they were $300, he would buy one.

It was all news to me!

Sue