Historical information

The Recco system was developed in response to an avalanche tragedy in Are, Sweden in December 1973.
The inventor and founder of RECCO, Magnus Granheed assisted in the rescue work. He was frustrated by the primitive methods for locating buried victims that existed at that time, by “probing” with ski poles and digging at random. Unfortunately two people were found deceased. created a passive reflector that could be carried by a skier at all times.
After careful research and consultation with professional rescuers, the first prototype was finalised in the beginning of the 80s. In 1983, the company called RECCO was founded.
Today the system consists of two parts: a reflector integrated into clothing, boots, helmets and body protection worn by skiers and riders and a detector used by organised rescue teams.
These avalanche reflectors were given to participants at the 1987 Interski International Ski Institute Instructors' conference held in Banff, Canada.

Significance

The invention of these reflectors was critical to increased safety for participants in outdoor activities including skiing at Falls Creek,

Physical description

Two Recco Reflectors which are worn on a skier's equipment or clothing. These strips contain a passive reflector which can be detected by searchers in an emergency situation.

Inscriptions & markings

From left to right: INTERSKI Banff 1987 / RECCO Avalanche Radar Reflector / INTERSKI ARE 1991