RECCO technology strengthens its global position in mountain safety and is integrated into the outdoor fashion of Spanish brands such as Zara, Oysho and Altus

The Swedish location system, an international standard for professional rescue teams, is expanding its presence beyond high mountains and avalanches, establishing itself as a key solution for safety in outdoor activities throughout the year.

RECCO® technology, the global benchmark in location systems for professional mountain rescue, continues to strengthen its global positioning thanks to the integration of its passive reflectors in the collections of major Spanish skiwear brands such as Zara, Altus and Oysho. This commitment marks a turning point in the democratisation of safety in natural environments. Oysho and Altus. This move marks a turning point in the democratisation of safety in natural environments, bringing professional technology to millions of users.

Born in Sweden in 1983, the RECCO system has become the international standard for locating people lost or trapped in avalanches, and is currently operational in more than 950 rescue points, including ski resorts, specialised organisations and helicopter bases, spread across 32 countries.

From a tragedy in the Scandinavian Alps to a global safety net

The origins of RECCO date back to 30 December 1973, when Magnus Granhed, founder of the technology, witnessed a fatal avalanche in Åre, Sweden. After hours of unsuccessful manual searching, the buried skiers were found dead. That experience marked the beginning of research aimed at creating an effective electronic system for locating people in mountain emergencies.

After years of development at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, harmonic radar was born, leading to the first commercial detector in 1983. The first real rescue using this technology took place in Switzerland in 1987. Since then, the technology has undergone constant evolution: the detector has gone from weighing 16 kg to less than one kilogram in its current manual version, making it easier for professional rescue services to use.

How the RECCO system works: passive technology at the service of professional rescue

The RECCO system is based on a simple and highly effective architecture consisting of two elements:

• RECCO® reflector: a passive device weighing just 4 grams, integrated directly into clothing and equipment (jackets, trousers, ski boots, rucksacks or ski helmets). It requires no batteries, needs no maintenance and is virtually indestructible.
• RECCO® detector: used exclusively by rescue teams, it emits a radar signal that bounces off the reflector and guides professionals to the precise location of the injured person.

This technology does not depend on active user intervention, making it a permanent and reliable backup in critical situations, especially when response time is crucial.

From avalanches to summer rescues: RECCO, 365 days a year

Traditionally associated with avalanche rescue, RECCO technology has expanded its field of application to multi-activity and year-round use. The introduction of the SAR detector for helicopters has been a decisive advance: it can search up to one square kilometre in just six minutes, even in wooded areas or areas with reduced visibility.

Thanks to this development, RECCO has established itself as a key tool for locating hikers, cyclists, trail runners and excursionists during the summer season, reinforcing its position as a cross-cutting technology in outdoor safety.

Spanish brands drive the democratisation of mountain safety

Currently, more than 150 international brands incorporate RECCO reflectors into their products. In this context, the incorporation of this technology by major Spanish brands such as Zara and Oysho—both belonging to the Inditex group—represents a qualitative leap in terms of awareness and accessibility.

Alongside them, more technical brands such as Siroko and Altus reinforce RECCO’s presence in garments intended for more specialised use, consolidating an approach that ranges from alpine skiing and snowboarding to recreational hiking and cross-country skiing in controlled terrain.

Invisible security integrated into design and performance

The RECCO reflector is strategically integrated into outer protective garments rather than the three layers, where its effectiveness is greatest. Anoraks, ski suits, down jackets such as those by Fjällräven, rucksacks, helmets and technical footwear incorporate the reflector without compromising design, mobility or user comfort.

Both in Oysho’s PrimaLoft® insulated stretch jackets and Zara’s water-resistant and windproof down jackets from the Ski Collection, the RECCO reflector becomes an invisible added value, in line with a growing trend towards more responsible and safety-oriented outdoor fashion.

A supplement, not a substitute, for safety equipment

RECCO reminds users that its reflectors are not a substitute for active avalanche victim search devices (AVSDs), but rather act as an essential complement to professional rescue teams. However, their widespread use in clothing available to the general public represents a significant advance in the culture of prevention and safety in the mountains.

Today, RECCO technology not only protects expert athletes, but also accompanies anyone who enjoys the outdoors, reinforcing the idea that safety can also be part of design and fashion.