What Skiers Should Know About Avalanche Safety

For many, avalanches are a far-off natural phenomenon that only exists in sci-fi or action movies. However, they are much more common than one may think, posing a serious threat to those in their path. According to National Geographic, the western United States alone sees around 100,000 avalanches occur each year. Worldwide, approximately 150 people are killed each year by this heavy force.

Although most skiers take their talents to well-maintained slopes, plenty of experienced skiers enjoy exploring the backcountry. Backcountry skiers explore unmarked trails, often outside a ski resort’s boundaries, so they are more likely to enter risky areas where unexpected avalanches can occur. Regardless of where you prefer to ski, it is still essential to understand basic avalanche safety to avoid being caught in this terrifying situation. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever be in the path of an avalanche, it is never a bad idea to brush up on these pieces of information to increase awareness.

Firstly, any time you plan to explore the backcountry, it is crucial to get the correct gear. From your warm-weather layers to emergency communication devices, you’ll never regret stocking up on these items in case of an emergency where you might get stuck. Many deaths occur because individuals do not realize the great force of nature and just how much more powerful it is than them. You can take specific safety measures, like purchasing an avalanche airbag, shovel, and more to take with you. It may seem annoying to carry around the extra gear, but if you find yourself in a situation where you need it, you’ll be grateful to have it.

Even with this added safety equipment, it is also recommended that skiers participate in an avalanche safety and awareness course. Reading information online can only teach you so much. Participating in such a course can give you real-life applications and end up saving your life or someone else’s someday. Instructors may have specific tips and advice relevant to your geographical area. This training will help you feel more confident as you embark on this journey, learning the best ways to respond in a dangerous situation from people who are well-educated on the topic. Additionally, these courses can equip you with essential skills not only for protecting yourself but also for helping other skiers who might get caught in an avalanche. So taking the time to educate yourself properly can help save other lives on the slopes as well.

As you prepare for your trip, it is also recommended that you check up on the forecast. Avalanche predictability may differ from location to location. However, you can look at recent snow reports to see if avalanches have been a common occurrence lately, as well as upcoming weather forecasts. Prior research is vital so you can get a sense of the area you’ll be exploring and determine which areas you should try to avoid. Additionally, keep in mind that not all ski resorts or ski areas allow backcountry skiing, so do your research to ensure the area you plan to ski in is open for use. If there has been a high occurrence of avalanches recently, it might be a good idea to stay home or stick to well-maintained and patrolled trails.

Avalanche safety often relies on your intuition and ability to avoid off-limits terrain or notoriously dangerous spots. Some of these come on quickly and unexpectedly, making it imperative that you recognize warning signs and find a pillar of safety if possible. Backcountry skiing is one of the most freeing experiences in the world. Still, it is necessary to take proper safety measures and inform yourself of the possible risks you are exposing yourself to.