Mammut Installs Transceiver Check Stations at North American Resorts
Mammut Installs Transceiver Check Stations at North American Resorts
Words: Reed Purvis
The Swiss mountain apparel and equipment company, Mammut, is spearheading an effort to install transceiver check stations in North American resorts. The check stations are located at backcountry access points, and inform backcountry skiers if their transceivers are functioning properly. A flashing light indicates that the device is picking up the proper signal from transceivers as people pass by the station. By checking signals from a greater distance than the standard transceiver check, the device gives a more accurate assesment of how well a transceiver is transmitting.
Local Alpental patroller and Mammut athlete, Stephen Griffith, is working with Mammut in rolling out this project and is the one who came up with the concept for the check stations after slipping and hitting his head on the bathroom sink. Washington resorts such as Stevens Pass, Alpental, and Crystal Mountain are the first resorts to have installed the check stations.
Where was the first check station put up?
I got one for Alpental first and then told my buddies at Crystal about it and they responded positively to the idea too.
Did that resort accept the idea immediately or did you have to sell them on it?
At Alpental I actually asked the patrol director if I could put one up and explained why I thought it was a good idea, he thought it was great and gave me two thumbs up. Crystal’s response was overwhelming as well; they want another one.
Did Mammut respond positively to the idea right away?
Sure, my boss at the time was like, "If you take it on, I'll get you one." My current boss at Mammut is cool with my project. It's good for the community. He seems stoked that I'm willing to take this on.
Is Mammut actually manufacturing these parts for these devices and putting them together?
The actual device is just really a docking station. The sponsoring area has provided the supporting parts and power for the device. We don't want to write signage for the resort because each resort is unique in what they want the reader board to say. I provide the device and leave it to each individual resort to decide exactly how they want to display the device, then I go out and set it out and hand out.
Is Mammut making just a few of these at the moment, hand built? Or is there a manufacturing line thing going on?
They are used widespread in Europe at access points, so I'm sure that we have several of them.
What is the range of these stations? How close or far do you need to be from them for them to pick up the signal?
The range of the station is adjustable to the resort. There is a knob that allows you to tune the distance you want to be affected.
How are they powered, some solar?
They can be powered any way possible. Crystal has taken the "green "approach and put up solar panels to run theirs—it’s beautiful. Check it out on the way to their new lift.
Do you want to focus on other resorts in Washington State before aiming for the rest of the country?
Honestly, whoever wants one, I'll try my best to make it happen. I'm doing this on my own dime and free time. I'm easy. I work for a pass and a couple of beers.
If you are interested in finding out more about the transceiver check stations contact Steve Griffith at stevegriffith22@gmail.com
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