Using a transceiver in an avalanche?

Question

Has anyone ever used one in an emergency, and if so how important is a transceiver if you are alone and nobody else has one?

Answer 1

I've never used one, so it is only MO. If you are alone, the transceiver is useless, you should never ski alone, minimum party size is 3,  5 is better.  If you are the only one in the party with a transceiver, once again it is useless.  Everyone in the group should carry one and it should be on transmit. They should all be on the same frequency, and everyone should know how to properly operate them. You also need shovels to dig someone out of an avalanche. Otherwise the transceiver is just for locating a body which happens in the summer thaws anyway, but maybe years from now.  Remember the hunter that was found in the Alps about 10 years ago, he had been shot and was in the glacier about 10 thousand years.  

   Everyone in the group should have a transceiver, a shovel, some bright colored flags or markers, avalanche probes and the Avalung on them. Also the knowledge to use them. Take an avalanche/ backcountry survival course. Your life depends on it.

Answer 2

If no one else has one, who will you transmit to?

You may want to rethink doing anything alone, especially if you are in an area where avalanches are a concern.

A transceiver is invaluable, IF you know how far it can transmit/receive a signal and if you know what frequency emergency responders monitor.