For the 2001-2002 season, K2 snowboarding has added two new products to their line of backcountry tools. The Avalanche Ball and Strap Boot Compatible Approach Skis are offered to those in search of powder.

Designed in Austria and tested independently since 1994, the Avalanche Ball itself is packed into a lightweight pouch that attaches to any pack. It is self-deployed by pulling a ripcord, staying attached to the wearer via a low-profile climbing style waist-belt. The ball acts as a visual beacon, staying on the snow-surface enabling searchers to quickly find the avalanche victim. The K2 Avalanche ball has been designed from the ground up to provide fast, simple, and reliable recovery essential to saving lives in an avalanche situation. The ball is mechanically deployed and does not use compressed air making it quick and easy to repack.

The K2 Avy Ball is not intended to replace or diminish the importance of transceivers. Safety tools, education, transceiver practice, and a visual beacon define the ultimate precaution when going out-of-bounds.

The K2 Approach Skis are the ultimate ascent tools for snowboarders. Super lightweight, the approach skis are now offered for both Clicker step-in and strap compatible binding systems. Easy and lightweight to pack, K2 Approach skis include high-quality adhesive skins for climbing, steel edges for icy traverses, durable pivoting bindings, and heel lifters. Category Manager Geoff Rittmeyer explains, "In testing the Approach skis we find huge advantages over conventional split boards and snowshoes. Because you are able to leave the skins on and donšt have to reconfigure any complicated binding adapters, turnaround time when hiking runs is really fast. In addition you always ride the board you want the way it was meant to ride- no expensive compromises."

Other tools that will continue to be offered include Clicker crampons, Clicker Vert Climbers, avalanche shovel, approach poles, avalanche probe, and backcountry field kit and field tool. K2šs line of Tech Backcountry Packs offers something to riders and hikers of all ability levels. Thanks to sister company Dana Design, the packs have mountaineering durability and features with a clean, urban style.

K2 Snowboarding has lead the industry since day one with proven, functional, and reliable backcountry products designed by snowboarders for snowboarders.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff