Backcountry Access INC.

• Position: TO WATCH - Company overview - Brief article

SNAPSHOT: Backcountry Access is a privately held manufacturer that specializes in snow safety equipment and education. Snow safety equipment includes avalanche beacons, avalanche airbag packs, probes, shovels and snow study tools. All of these are used to either avoid avalanches or help rescue victims if they are caught and buried in one.

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LEADERSHIP: Bruce McGowan is president of the Boulder company, which was founded in 1994.

NICHE: Avalanche beacons are the backbone of the business: "BCA's beacons stand out from the crowd because of their rapid processors, and they are the easiest to use. Our company's objectives aren't limited to sales and marketing. We believe our purpose includes saving lives, innovating, and being responsible members of the outdoor industry."

PIVOTAL MOMENT: The introduction of BCA's Tracker...