ORTOVOX - Company

2007

With the introduction of the world’s first sensor-controlled S1 avalanche transceiver, ORTOVOX has managed to place another milestone in the field of safety products. The new Grizzly shovel helps to rescue avalanche victims even faster and more safely. The Freeride rucksack from the Powder Performance line is distinguished by its optimum fit and a TÜV-tested SPS back protector. Alongside these spectacular product highlights, the new website (www.ortovox.de) will be presented in October 2007. Here you will find all relevant product information and a host of useful information and tips about safety in metre-high deep snow and untouched steep slopes, all clearly set out.

2005

ORTOVOX celebrates its 25th anniversary. The new logo emphasizes that ORTOVOX isn’t getting on a bit. At the anniversary the next generation of avalanche transceivers had been presented: The world-wide first sensor-controlled avalanche scanner S1. Thanks to the entirely new technology the direction and distance of up to four signals can be simultaneously indicated on the display. The search via cross-hair on the display is considerably easier due to the visualization. Two new product lines complete the functional Merino underwear offering an even thinner quality for a larger field of use. The new ORTOVOX softshell outerwear is made for universal use. The characteristic feature of this line is Merino Inside offering a unique mixture of nature (Merino wool) and synthetic (nanosphere technology). Look forward to the next 25 years with ORTOVOX!

2004

Beside the POWDER PERFORMANCE LINE encompassing 5 backpacks, two completely new backpack lines had been developed. The co-operation with sports orthopedists led to the new back carrying system “O-Flex-Frame” providing a carrying comfort yet perfect fit. New standards are set in the thermal wear made out of 100 % Merino wool. A finer Merino wool fiber and a thinner yarn permit a more lightweight quality offering more well-being not only in wintertime. Fresh colours reinforce the wearing comfort. Ines Papert achieved the third consecutive title in ice climbing, wearing the functional ORTOVOX thermal wear Merino that is available in four different qualities and with special cuts for man and women.

2003

Thanks to the great success we add another size to the model TOP RIDER. From autumn 2003 three back lengths are available (small – middle – large) so this free ride pack fits snugly also to the back of women for optimum freedom of movement. The additional micro-processor of the ORTOVOX x1 version 2003 accelerate the speed of the display indications. “Netwool light” is the name of the new line of thermal wear made out of 100 % Merino wool. The processing of the Merino wool developed by ORTOVOX gives fresh impetus to the thermal wear market.

2002

The first fully automatic digital avalanche transceiver ORTOVOX x1 with direct indication of distance was launched. The dual frequency beacon automatically controls the receiving volume from receipt of the first signal until the pinpoint search. The x1 captivates with its simple handling, a range unmatched at the moment (up to 70 m), high precision and a fully automatic search system. The search for several signals works automatically. For the freeride scene we developed the backpack line “POWDER PERFORMANCE LINE” combing cool design and functionality. The top model, the TOP RIDER, is equipped with special protection “turtles” to protect the spinal column and offers space for safety system items fitting together in a cohesive system.

2001

On the occasion of the ORTOVOX’s twentieth birthday the “birthday present“, the m2 EXCLUSIVE EDITION was developed. A fully compatible, digital and analogue avalanche transceiver belonging to the latest generation of avalanche transceivers coming in an exclusive transparent blue design.

1999

Development takes place quickly – still quicker is the ORTOVOX m2. The avalanche transceiver with, what is at the moment, the quickest pulse rate, the easiest and quickest switch-over from transmit to receive mode, a unique innovative belt system and the possibility to locate reliably several people who have been lost in an avalanche. The ORTOVOX m2 has been declared the winner in more international tests than any other ORTOVOX avalanche transceiver.

1998

ORTOVOX m1 – “a star was born”! This was the year of birth of the first fully compatible, digital-analogue avalanche transceiver. The “m” stands for “menu-controlled” search.

1995

Thanks to the large recognition of the wool the first, functional thermal wear made of Merino wool was introduced: shirt, pants and turtle-neck pullover for alpine skiing, ski tours and mountains hikes rendering unnecessary to often change the thermal wear.

1994

The legendary F1 focus was presented. This avalanche transceiver is an incredible sales success. Globally it is by far the most sold avalanche transceiver. The concept was to facilitate the search by using an arrow in the colours of a traffic light. This visual help accelerated and simplified the search for a person buried in an avalanche.

1993

The first cardigans, hats and headbands made out of cosy wool fleece had been added to the product range. The soft wool fleece is of feathery lightness, comfortable and machine-washable due to the superwash finishing.

1990

The company was renamed ORTOVOX sportartikel gmbh. The ORTOVOX F1 plus, the first avalanche transceiver with LED technique, came onto the market. The visual search indicator and a method of looking for any companion or lost skis, represented a substantial development in the market for avalanche transceivers.

1989

Launching of a completely new avalanche transceiver. The ORTOVOX F1 classic has a flexible body belt, an integrated loudspeaker and an optional earphone.

1988

ORTOVOX develops the LANATEX OUTDOOR SPORTSWEAR, functional high quality outdoor clothes. These cardigans and jackets for ski touring, spats and socks are made from 100% boiled sheep’s wool having “natural” advantages unmatched by synthetic fibres.

1985

The ORTOVOX powder snow backpack and the ORTOVOX avalanche shovel were added to the legendary ORTOVOX F2. Even today, more than twenty years later, these products are still being used. Proof enough of the high quality standard.

1981

International branches and subsidiaries are established in the USA, Austria, Switzerland and France.

1980

Gerald Kampel and Jürgen Wegner develop the first double frequency avalanche transceiver ORTOVOX F2 to search for people buried in an avalanche. At that time there were a number of different avalanche transceivers on the market, which transmitted and received signals on different frequencies (2.275 and 457 kHz). This led to a number of avalanche deaths just because the victims couldn’t be rescued immediately due to the different frequencies. The ORTOVOX F2 could receive on both frequencies, had been welcomed enthusiastically and after only two years it became the market leader..

1976

Gerald Kampel establishes the “Engineering company for technical equipment for measuring and industrial automation“ and develops precise measuring instruments for the construction of the underground railway system serving to more safety in the underground railway construction

History