9 Avalanche Safety Tips All Skiers Should Know

1. Take an AAIRE Course/Clinic

As mentioned in the introduction of this article, nothing can replicate the real-world experience of taking an AAIRE course or clinic.

AAIRE course leaders are professionally educated and trained to teach the public about avalanche safety. We recommend enrolling in a course before venturing out into the backcountry for the first time.

In AAIRE Level 1 courses, skiers and snowboarders learn about what causes avalanches, how to read an avalanche forecast, how to identify potential avalanche triggers, how to use basic avalanche safety gear like a beacon, shovel, and probe, and more.

Check out AAIRE courses and clinics near you here. Every backcountry skier and snowboarder should consider taking a course.

2. Check the Avalanche Forecast

Thanks to modern advancements in avalanche education and awareness, many states and regional locales have dedicated avalanche forecasters. These forecasters publish daily reports on the state of the snowpack, and use real-world observations to keep others safe. 

If you're planning on venturing out into the backcountry, check your local avalanche forecast and learn how to read it. Most forecasts include information about avalanche risks at specific elevations, slope angles, and aspects. Understanding why certain types of avalanches are more prone to occur is also an important part of understanding a forecast.

Check your local avalanche forecast here.

3. Beacon, Shovel, Probe

There are many pieces of gear that are important for a backcountry outing, but none are more vital to avalanche safety than a beacon, shovel, and probe.

If you're wondering what each piece of gear's purpose is, consider taking an AAIRE Level 1 course. In the meantime, here's a brief description of each:

• Beacon/Transceiver: Avalanche beacons (or transceivers, the terms are interchangeable) are the best way to locate a skier buried in an avalanche. In a simplified example for the purpose of this article, if both parties are carrying a beacon, the skier unaffected by the slide can use her beacon to locate the buried skier using radio waves transmitted by the devices.
• Shovel: If somebody is buried in an avalanche, there's no better way to dig them out than with a shovel. Purchase a hardy, durable shovel that feels comfortable in your hands and can easily fit into your pack.
• Probe: Perhaps one of the most underrated pieces of avalanche safety gear, probes are collapsible and can extend more than a dozen feet in length when fully stretched. Probes are essential for confirming the location of a buried skier.

4. Avalanches Are More Prone at Certain Slope Angles

Avalanches can happen on nearly any slope angle, but they're more likely to occur on slopes at or steeper than 30 degrees.

Learning how to identify approximate slope angles in the backcountry comes with practice, but remember, if you're in doubt, it's always better to mitigate risk than amplify it.

If you're wanting to learn more about slope angles, consider purchasing a slope meter that fits into your pack. Whip it out whenever you have a concern or question about slope angle.

5. Recognizing the Signs of Unstable Snow

There are dozens of visual signs that can indicate unstable snow, and AAIRE instructors are the best suited to teach you about them.

In AAIRE Level 1 courses, instructors spend a significant amount of time teaching the class how to identify unstable snow through pictures and in-field examples. Here are a few common signs of unstable snow to remember:

• Recent avalanches
• Cracking or collapsing of snow
• Recent heavy snowfall or rain
• Wind blown snow
• Rapid melting

6. Ski With a Buddy

Unfortunately, many avalanche-related fatalities occur when a skier or snowboarder is recreating in the backcountry by themselves.

There will be times when all of your ski buddies are busy, but consider always skiing or riding with a friend in the backcountry. Doing so dramatically increases your risk for survival should an avalanche occur.

Plus, it's more fun to ski with friends anyway, right?

7. Live To Ski Another Day

This 'tip' is a bit less specific but represents a valuable mindset in the backcountry.

Let's face it—skiing in the backcountry is fun, and the rush of adrenaline can lead us to make poor decisions. That perfect powder pocket might be alluring, but if it's sitting under a massive hanging cornice, it's better to be left alone.

All backcountry skiing (actually all skiing, for that matter) comes with inherent risk, but the unwavering desire to tackle big lines and deep snow can lead to disaster. Consider taking the 'Live To Ski Another Day' mindset. You won't regret it.

8. Make Observations, Take Your Time

After taking your AAIRE Level 1 course, continue to practice what you've learned.

One of the best ways to further your learning is to make field observations each time you recreate in the backcountry. Take note of the snow quality, look for recent avalanches on the surrounding peaks, dig a small snow pit, or just stop for a few moments to appreciate the beauty around you.

Make notes, take a deep breath, observe your surroundings. Skiing in the backcountry is not a race.

9. Reflect

In keeping with Tip #8, reflecting after a day in the backcountry is beneficial to your safety.

Recall the day's activities and ask yourself: What was the snow stability like? What mistakes did I make? Did I have any close calls? If so, what could I have done differently? What did I do right? What decisions did I make with my safety in mind? How does that make me feel?

Consider keeping a journal, or create a folder on the Notes app of your phone to record your reflections after each backcountry outing.