Minister Shona Robison learns about avalanche search and rescue techniques at the launch

A unique winter-safety training area for mountaineers and skiers was officially launched today.

The world’s first permanent artificial avalanche transceiver training area was opened by Scotland’s sports minister.

The innovative 500 sq metre facility uses wood chippings in place of snow and has transceivers buried across the area at Glenmore Lodge national outdoor training centre near Aviemore.

The training area cost £10,000 to set up and can simulate various avalanche scenarios to enable mountain rescue teams, skiers, winter hillwalkers and mountaineers to practise their search skills for buried avalanche victims.

A person’s chances of survival diminish rapidly the longer they are buried in an avalanche, so rescue by companions at the scene is important in such cases. Hillgoers can carry transceivers which can both transmit and receive a signal on a common frequency. Any members of the party not avalanched then become rescuers but groups need to practise their use.

American company Back Country Access has provided £4,000 of hardware including transceivers and probes for the facility.

Bob Kinnaird, principal of sportscotland Glenmore Lodge, said: “In addition to mountain rescue personnel, an increasing number of skiers, winter walkers and mountaineers carry avalanche transceivers to increase their chance of rescue in the event of an avalanche.

“However, such equipment is only helpful if those involved in a rescue operation know how to detect the signals and how to best plan a rescue.

“As Scotland’s national outdoor training centre, Glenmore Lodge is keen to continually develop our facilities to support the outdoor sector.

“In partnership with BCA, the development of the year-round transceiver training park is an example of an innovative approach to offer accessible and appropriate training opportunities that help outdoor enthusiasts develop their knowledge and skills to safely enjoy our mountains in winter.”

Ian Sherrington, chief instructor at Glenmore Lodge, added: “This transceiver park provides an excellent training facility for anyone venturing into avalanche terrain.

“Your chance of surviving an avalanche burial is directly linked to the speed of your rescue. Therefore, training in the use of transceivers, probes and shovels in this environment will ultimately help to save lives.

“Moreover, this park will not only benefit a large number of the 750-plus winter course participants we host at Glenmore Lodge, but mountain rescue teams, ski clubs and individuals who simply wish to hone their skills.

“Scotland’s mountains in winter present a far more serious environment than summer and should be treated as such.

“Every piece of clothing and equipment carried or worn should be carefully considered and more importantly winter hillwalkers must know how to use it. We highly recommend learning from an experienced mountaineer, joining a club or better still completing one of the wide range of winter skills courses available.”

Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, officially opened the training area and tried out the equipment.

A keen hillwalker and skier, Ms Robison said: “Snowsports generate £30m each year for Scotland’s economy, supporting over 600 jobs, and in 2011 – the Year of Active – we are keen to see people taking advantage of some of the fantastic terrain available in Scotland’s mountains to enjoy winter sports.

“But we can’t lose sight of the fact that lives are lost on Scotland’s mountains each year.

“The opening of the avalanche training park – the first of its kind anywhere in the world – is a timely reminder to those heading out into the great outdoors in winter to plan ahead, check the weather and ensure they have the correct safety equipment and knowledge.

“The training park is a fantastic achievement and offering year-round training in dealing with avalanche scenarios, builds on Glenmore Lodge’s reputation at the forefront in providing world-class training facilities.”

BCA vice-president Bruce Edgerly added: “The innovative approach of using an artificial surface is one likely to be recreated in a number of locations around the world.”