Avalanches kill - In the first 15 minutes 90% of avalanche victims are still alive, the chance of survival after being caught in an avalanche drops to 50% if you will be dug out after 30 minutes, the chances to survive an avalanche accident with being buried longer than 45 minutes are less than 30%

Going into the Backcountry needs to be a save venture for everybody. Yourself - the group you ski with - the group behind you - the group following your tracks later. In the backcountry you will expect certain hazards and dangers you might not see visually. Avalanches are often in attracting slopes drawing attention of the skier or group. This page will inform briefly about an important issue for all backcountry skiers, for a save trip and a memorable return to the trailhead.

It is not only important that you and your group is save and aware of avalanche hazard. Even the group which might follow your tracks the next day should not be lead into dangerous grounds. Specially with outbound skiing close to resort boundaries this is often a problem with inexperienced skiers following existing tracks. Many of the resort accidents are a result of ignoring rules and warnings.

AVALANCHE TIPS

Personal Judgment:

• Experience - skiing with seasoned Backcountry folks who are familiar and educated in avalanche safety.

• Education - continuing education with avalanche classes, Alpine Clubs, etc.

• Avalanche Forecast, Weather Forecast - listen to the latest forecast, slope exposures, temperatures, etc.

• Avalanche avoidance with careful route planning.

Additional safety equipment:

• Avalanche Beacons

• Probes

• Shovel

• Avalung

...to be continued