US National Ski Patrol have warned that a Pieps avalanche beeper can be switched from transmit to receive by a Motorola walkie talkie.

Pieps website reminds us that ALL avalanche transceivers are extremely sensitive to magnets and should be carried 15cm away from things like walkie-talkies, mobile phones, etc. This is usually the case if you wear it on the harness.

Of course, the risk is pretty low, compared to not wearing one when you're away from the piste, or not practicing searching with it, at least once a year.

Ortovox has discovered that batteries that are at the small end of the standard size can be dislodged in the M1 and M2 avalanche beepers if they're bashed hard enough. They will provide replacement battery covers free of charge - see the ortovox website.

Apparently some other brands have the same problem - so if you have a beeper, check with the manufacturer.

Yes, I have already ordered new battery covers for the club's beepers.

I've added a "small ads" section so you can offer your old gear - or indeed search for that rare item that's no longer in the shops!

Let me know of any problems!

There is now (yes it's a bit late) a new album for this year's trips. If you have any pictures from recent EIS trips, feel free to go to the Gallery and make yourself a new sub-album under "EIS 05-06" and upload them. You need to be logged in to do this!
[a little tip: use "properties" link, once you've created the album, to give it a title!]

The mystery "Switzerland" trip at the begining of March is no longer a mystery - and no longer Switzerland! Fred Sheasby has now organised a trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - full details will be posted here asap. In the meantime, contact Fred at felicity.sheasby@esa.int.