While skiing Berthoud Pass in 1994, Bruce Edgerly was completely buried in an avalanche. This harrowing experience prompted Bruce to contact Bruce McGowan, inventor of the Backcountry Trekker ski touring binding adapter. Together they founded Backcountry Access, a company whose number one goal is to make backcountry skiing safer. Bruce and Bruce got right to work on their flagship product—the BCA Tracker avalanche beacon. The beacon was released in 1997 and became an instant hit with backcountry enthusiasts because it was so easy to use, even under stressful, hurried conditions.
Today, Backcountry Access carries a full line of backcountry safety equipment. In addition to beacons, shovels and probes, BCA has developed the latest in airbag technology that is designed to keep an avalanche victim on top of the snow and out of harm's way. The Float airbag backpacks, which inflate with the assistance of a compressed air cylinder, also protect the wearer from blunt force trauma.