1. Take an Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course.
2. Carry avalanche safety equipment: a transceiver (beacon), shovel and probe –AND KNOW HOW TO USE THEM.
3. Check the avalanche bulletin (plan your trip according to current conditions).
4. Don’t group up in terrain that is threatened from above; allow a wide margin of safety around avalanche run-out zones.
5. Speak up when you see others grouping together in avalanche-threatened areas.
6. Don’t tolerate fellow riders not being prepared with rescue gear.
7. Practise with your own rescue gear at least once a month. Good search and rescue technique saves lives. Focus on quick transceiver search, effective probing and efficient shovelling.
8. Match terrain selection to what the avalanche danger will allow. Read the bulletin and plan your day to avoid the avalanche problems that are highlighted.
9. Understanding the type of avalanche problem is as important as knowing the danger rating. Example: managing Considerable Danger due to a deep slab requires different technique than managing Considerable Danger due to a wind slab.
10. Strategic shovelling saves valuable minutes. Learn the best shovelling techniques. And carry a strong shovel that you have tested on HARD packed snow.
11. Post the avalanche bulletins on your Facebook page or garage door. Make sure your dealer and friends get the bulletins.
12. Know the terrain rating with the current danger rating. This provides you with good decision-making guidance.
13. For current class offerings, other tips and snow condition bulletins, review the American Avalanche Association website and the Canadian Avalanche Centre website.
