Communication devices have transformed mountain safety. A satellite communicator with an SOS function can summon professional rescue to coordinates that would take days to reach by other means. But these devices are not magic safety blankets — they require registration, knowledge of how to use them, and an understanding of their limitations.
Two-Way Radios
PMR (Personal Mobile Radio) or FRS/GMRS radios are useful for communication within a climbing party on moderate terrain where mobile phone signal is unreliable. They're inexpensive, require no subscription, and allow real-time voice communication. The limitation: they have a maximum range of 5-10km in mountainous terrain, and that range drops dramatically in dense cloud or with intervening ridges. They're useful for parties that split up — one climber going ahead to scout a route while others follow — but they're not emergency devices.
For serious alpine routes, each rope team should have at least one radio. Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international maritime distress channel — some radios can monitor this for emergency broadcasts, though this is not the primary use for most recreational climbers.
Satellite Communicators
Devices like Garmin inReach, Zoleo, and Somewear provide two-way text messaging and SOS capability via satellite (Iridium network). They work anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky — no mobile signal required. Cost: $300-400 for the device, plus a subscription ($15-50/month for limited messaging, or unlimited for $50-70/month). The subscription cost is the real expense for regular users.
Key functions: two-way text messaging (to and from any mobile number or email), GPS tracking (so others can see your location on a map), and SOS (which connects to a 24/7 rescue coordination center). The SOS center can dispatch local rescue services and maintain contact with you during an emergency. Some devices also support weather forecasts via satellite.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
A PLB (like the ACR ResQLink) is a one-way emergency beacon only — it transmits your GPS coordinates to rescue services when activated. It does not allow two-way communication and is not subscribed — you pay nothing after purchase. PLBs are smaller and lighter than satellite communicators and are purely emergency devices. For purely emergency use, a PLB is excellent value. For climbers who want tracking and messaging as well as emergency capability, a satellite communicator is the better choice.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones can be effective for emergency calls if signal exists — and in the Alps, most major peaks and popular routes have some signal. The limitation: mobile networks don't cover mountains. In most alpine ranges, signal exists primarily on north-facing slopes and ridge crests. In the Greater Ranges, signal is rare outside of base camps. Don't rely on a mobile phone as your primary emergency device. Carry it for its utility value, but assume it will be useless in a genuine emergency.
Emergency Protocols
If you need emergency assistance: assess the situation (is it life-threatening?), call local emergency services first (112 in Europe, 911 in North America), then activate your personal locator beacon or satellite communicator SOS, then contact your emergency contacts. If you're with an injured person, designate one person to manage communication so others can manage the casualty. Rescue coordination centers can be overwhelmed — clearly state: your exact location (GPS coordinates), the number of people in your group, the nature of the emergency, and whether the casualty is mobile.
Related Articles
- Rescue & Evacuation — What to do when things go wrong
- First Aid for Climbers — Emergency medical response
- Navigation with Compass & GPS — Finding and communicating your location