We tested the best avalanche beacons for every budget. Top picks include Arva, Mammut, and Black Diamond.
Written by Spencer Herford
Expertise
Experience
Spencer grew up in Summit County, Colorado, and started skiing and snowboarding at the age of three. As the mega-resorts began to get more and more crowded, his father slowly showed him the ropes of backcountry skiing. After ten years of recreational backcountry experience, he decided to move into the professional realm, studying snow science at Colorado Mountain College’s Avalanche Science Program. He completed an internship with a local guide outfit and has since completed his Professional One and Two certifications and is an AIARE Course Leader.
Career Highlights
Education & Certifications
A Word From Spencer Herford
I work in avalanche education and backcountry guiding because I had a great mentorship team as I started my journey into the winter backcountry, and I wanted to give back to help other people gain the skills to get out and enjoy the snow safely.
I began skiing and snowboarding when I was three years old, and have been backcountry skiing and splitboarding for about the past fifteen years. I graduated an intensive two year avalanche science program, where I dove deep into snow science and avalanche rescue.
I love splitboarding, and I do it quite often. I also enjoy mountain biking and hiking with my dog, and I love to paint in watercolor my backcountry adventures!
We tested the best avalanche beacons for every budget. Top picks include Arva, Mammut, and Black Diamond.