Overview
Avalanche awareness education emphasizes beacon/probe/shovel (BPS) skills, route selection, and snowpack analysis to reduce backcountry deaths. The “Know Before You Go” campaign launched by the American Avalanche Association became the movement’s rallying cry.
The Education Push
The AIARE Level 1 course (16-24 hours, $375-600) became the baseline for backcountry skiing. By 2020, over 10,000 people per year completed AIARE Level 1, though millions entered the backcountry without training.
Avalanche Forecast Centers
Organizations like the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), Utah Avalanche Center, and Northwest Avalanche Center provide daily danger ratings (Low-Moderate-Considerable-High-Extreme). Smartphone apps (Avalanche Forecasts, Avenza Maps) democratized access.
Notable Tragedies
High-profile deaths—including pro skiers CR Johnson (2006), Liz Daley (2015), and Dave Rosenbarger (2015)—highlighted that even experienced backcountry users face risk. Social media memorials (#RideSafely) amplified awareness campaigns.
Sources
- AIARE course statistics: avtraining.org (2020)
- “Know Before You Go” campaign: avalanche.org
- Avalanche Center network: avalanche.ca, avalanche.org