Written by: Jonathan Gormick

The post Father & Son Spearhead Traverse Duo first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

The Next Step 

The curriculum of AST1 is designed to be as time efficient as possible in two days with a big focus on the practical skills of self-rescue (Ie finding your friend buried under the snow and digging them out). However, there’s only so much theory and knowledge that will fit into a two-day introductory course. You learn the basics of how snow slabs form, how these layers of snow are triggered and the importance of staying calm and methodical in the event of a burial. AST 1 instructors do touch on trip planning, decision making and interpreting resources such as the daily Avalanche Canada bulletin, but there aren’t enough hours in two days to explore these concepts thoroughly. With thousands of skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers all heading out into the mountains, how many are ready for the next step in their avalanche education? Probably more than you think.

Many people get into backcountry skiing by following more experienced friends, and that’s great. Learning from an experienced mentor is a big part of ongoing avalanche education and it’s especially important if you intend to venture into complex terrain where—let’s face it—we all find the most exciting skiing. But what if your experienced friend can’t make the trip this weekend? Or maybe you want to start venturing out under your own trip leadership? It’s at this point backcountry enthusiasts should consider taking the four-day AST 2 course. And when they do, they realize they could have done it a long time ago.

Why the AST 2 is valuable 

One of the main barriers to taking an AST 2 course is the cost (MSAA prices its AST 2 course at $649). While a substantial sum, backcountry travellers should view their avalanche training like a vehicle in need of scheduled maintenance — holding off too long could end up costing you a lot more in the long run, and in some cases, a lot more than money.  It may mean putting off the purchase of a new pair of boots or bindings that season, but the skills, knowledge—and arguably most important—awareness gained from the AST 2 will pay dividends in your decision-making confidence. If you intend to ski regularly in complex terrain and have the AST 1 with a couple of seasons under your belt, you are more than ready to advance your backcountry career with the AST 2. 

With three days in the field and one day allocated for classroom theory, AST 2 allows further exploration of all the subjects introduced in AST 1, both on and off the snow. Candidates learn to navigate avalanche hazards in complex terrain and how to effectively interpret snow pits, including the influences of weather, wind, temperature fluctuations and solar radiation. Every field day begins (as all trips should) with a meeting to discuss the avalanche bulletin (including the weather forecast that day) and mapped route planning with different skiing and travel options should the group collectively decide against the main objective.

If you want to get the most out of the AST 2, it’s worth considering a hut-based course. After one day of classroom theory, the group heads into a backcountry hut for two nights and three days of field time. Candidates wake up with the snowpack right outside the front door learning. Plus, you’ll get more skiing in. And isn’t that the whole point of why we get educated about the backcountry?

No time like the present

When it comes to avalanche safety, education is lifelong and you can never have too much practice or training (just ask the ski guides). Ski touring has experienced rapid growth in recent years and with that, the number of people who can (and should) advance to the next level of avalanche education and training goes up proportionately. Make this the season that you take the next step.

Find out more and book an AST Level 2 Course HERE.

Written by: Vince Shuley

The post Why you’re likely ready to take the AST 2 first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

Climbing past your fears

We are hardwired to remember events that come with an emotional kick, whether that is joy, fear, sadness, excitement, or other intense emotions. It’s an evolutionary trick to help us learn from our experiences and remember things that stand out for future reference.

We are in the adventure business, so giving people great experiences and memories is a big part of the game. But people often come to us to be guided through an adventure to help modulate their fears about the activities. A well-trained guide knows how to settle fears down enough to make the wary guests more comfortable and also to know when to push a more confident guest a little more so they have a memorable experience without pushing too far. Operating outside the comfort zone makes an experience more intense and memorable.

The joy of going beyond

The most common fear we hear is a fear of heights as our most popular summer tour is the via ferrata, which is basically hiking and climbing up the side of a mountain on metal rungs, but with several safety devices in place. Different people state a fear of heights as both the reason to do and not to do it. The via ferrata is the tour that we get the most reviews (and most passionate reviews) about and it is precisely because there is the experience of fear of being up high on a rock face but balanced with the beauty of the views and the sense of accomplishment. Exhilaration, joy, wonder, fear, and fun all intermingled! These emotions are imprinting on the guests’ brains, to form lasting memories. And at the end when everyone summits, we get to experience the elation of the guests who have just conquered the via ferrata and their fear; it’s quite special.

So step out of your comfort zone and try something new. The memories are worth it!

Written by: Dan O’Keefe

The post The Psychology of Fear & Adventure first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

Day 1 – Britannia & Squamish

You’ve left Vancouver and are heading up the gorgeous Sea to Sky Highway. The first totally unique stop is at the Britannia Mine Museum. Rumble aboard an underground train, pan for gold, explore exhibits, and step into history at Britannia Mine Museum! This National Historic Site is filled with fun activities for all ages.

Next stop is Squamish which is only an hour drive from downtown Vancouver. Squamish is known as a rock climbing mecca thanks to the 4th largest granite monolith in the world, The Stawamish Chief (or Siyam Smanit in the local Squamish language). I know, I can hear you thinking that climbing is not for you. But there is a local tour that is a family friendly version of rock climbing that is fun and easy! Squamish Via Ferrata tours are a fantastic way to be able to say you climbed in Squamish! These tours happen every day at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Day 2 – Squamish & Whistler

After enjoying a night in Squamish you wake up ready to brave the rapids with the Squamish Rafting Company. They operate world-class whitewater, float & family adventures and they have fun on the water year-round and it shows! With their certified & professional guides at the helm, they guarantee a fun, safe, and memorable trip no matter your experience level.

Time to get back on the road and continue up to Whistler. It’s less than an hour up the highway with stunning views of the mountains. There are delicious dinner options and accommodations for all budgets in Whistler. Book one that suits you through Tourism Whistler and be sure to check their Packages & Deals section.

INSIDER TIP: If you are a resident of BC or Washington State you want to sign up to get Whistler Rewards! Trust me, it’s worth it.

Day 3 – Whistler

There are no shortage of things to get your heart pumping in Whistler. Choose a day in the Whistler Bike Park for some downhill fun! Green, blue, black, double black, and red (don’t ask!) trails for all levels of riders.  

My personal favourite adventure is our own little known gem called the Whistler Via Ferrata. It’s at the top of the Whistler Gondola and you climb up on metal rungs sunk into the rock all the way to the peak! So exhilarating and a great challenge!

If you really want to feel the Call of the Wild, check out Canadian Wilderness Adventures ATV Tours! Try the single track trails and tackle the naturally rugged terrain. View the old growth forest and the NorthAir historical gold mine site. Discover why the Callaghan is Whistler’s most inspirational setting for adventure.

PS: If you’re looking for dinner plans that are off the beaten path, you really want to check out Barn Nork in Mount Currie (just past Pemberton) for some truly yummy Thai cuisine for dinner one night! You’ll need reservations.

Forgot some gear or clothing? Drop by Escape Route in Squamish or Whistler and they’ll get you kitted out. If you’re heading into the backcountry or just for a hike, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to return. Use this handy trip planner from AdventureSmart or download the app to leave your plan with a responsible person and avoid any call outs to the local search and rescue groups.

Whew! That’s an action packed weekend. Stay safe and have fun!  #inspireadventure

Written by: Dan O’Keefe

The post Weekender’s Guide to Summer in the Sea to Sky first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

Start with a proper fitness base

Base fitness is one of the most overlooked key components of many sports, including rock climbing. At the start of the rock climbing season, you need to condition your body and climbing muscles. With the help of some base fitness exercises, you can strengthen your stabilizing muscles which will help in staying injury-free. Base fitness is the foundation of your seasonal goals, so don’t rush through it in a hurry to start cranking on the higher level routes. Give yourself 2-3 weeks minimum.

Some examples of good base climbing fitness:

• A diligent warm-up routine of 10 minutes minimum. Jumping jacks, burpees, skipping rope, anything to rapidly raise your heart rate followed by light stretching and some easy climbing.
• Core strength. This is what will hold you on the wall, keep you moving efficiently, and isn’t all covered by yoga and pilates. Check out Climbing.com’s 10 Exercises for a Complete Core for some great training exercises.
• Try out ARC Training. This is to get your body and muscles trained and conditioned to climbing movement. The goal of ARC Training is to keep moving, without focusing on grades, routes or problems. It’s about dialing in basic movement and keeping those moves as efficient as possible. Try timing your roped climbs or easy bouldering routes. Improved speed means improved efficiency.

Start Small

Rock climbing is a very demanding sport and regression in skill and strength is common when you take a break from it. Maintaining mental and physical strength over the long Canadian winter is not easy, so when you start climbing again you can’t expect to be sending the same routes you were ticking off last summer at your peak condition.

Patience is a virtue. Don’t let the frustration of regression get to you. Measure your progress by the hours spent on the wall instead of the grades. If you work hard at it, your climbing mojo will be back for rock climbing season in no time.

Mind the complacency

If you’ve been climbing indoors at the gym for the past six months, the sudden rush of sunny weather, blue skies and dry rock can mess with your judgment. Safe climbing is built on disciplined routine; clear communication between climber and belayer, second checking knots, safely judging rope distances. Don’t take shortcuts to save time, especially when you’re coming out of winter climbing hibernation. Take your time, bring your headlamp, and don’t stress about what hour you’ll arrive back at the car.

Other considerations

Spring is the time of ticks, so make sure to check yourself, your partner and your dog when returning from the crag. Weather can always change rapidly, but sunny days in spring can quickly turn cold with overcast or after the sun sets. Climb in a pair of stretchy pants, bring gloves and a toque and (second reminder) always have your headlamp in the bottom of your pack.

On certain rock, winter freezing can cause some holds to fracture or dislodge completely. If you’re in the first group of people to climb the crag this spring, watch for loose rock and wear your helmet. And remember to bring along a wrench to check those bolts.

It won’t be long before summer is in full swing. Be ready for it and enjoy the rock climbing season!

Written by: Vince Shuley

The post Getting the Rock Climbing Season Started first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

Framing and Composition

This is probably the most important aspect of photography. In the context of backcountry, the subject (ie your ski touring partner) shouldn’t be the only thing of importance in the image. Look for patterns, symmetry and textures in the rest of the frame and adjust your angle accordingly. Sometimes it can be as simple as a track in the snow or a late afternoon shadow creeping across a glacier. Experiment with different styles and you’ll start to see what works. Don’t forget the all-important (but not gospel) rule of thirds.

Capture the Action

When shooting action i.e. when the skier is moving downhill or making a turn at speed, you can either use a “rapid fire” setting (camera shutter fires several frames per second and you choose the best one, phones now have this function too) or do it the old fashioned way by timing a single frame just right. The latter takes practice, but is easier to execute when you have a bit of distance between you and the subject and they’re not taking up a significant part of the photo’s frame. Always give your skier “somewhere to go” by framing a part of the slope below them. If shooting on manual settings, the rule of thumb for capturing sharp action shots is a shutter speed of 1/1000.

Communication is Key

If you want to get the shot right, the subject (ie the skier) and the photographer need to be on the same page. That means discussing the timing, framing and intended ski path before dropping in. The old adage of “did you say no, or did you say go?” was born from unclear words getting yelled up and down slopes. Figure out a system. Don’t rush either party. And if shooting over longer distances, invest in a set of 2-way radios. That way everyone can be clear on how the shot is going to work.

Make the light work for you

Light is the foundation of all imagery, but not all great photos are taken with cloudless skies. Shadows, contrasts and textures (see aforementioned Framing and Composition) can turn a dull, middle grey shot into a monochrome masterpiece. Post processing with a program such as Lightroom will let you boost contrasts and adjust exposure slightly to make shades and textures pop a bit more. Careful not to overdo it; there’s nothing worse than an oversaturated photo that looks like its hemorrhaging colour.

Don’t over-complicate your photos in the backcountry

If you’re learning to paint, don’t start with a Picasso. The same goes for photography. Too often shots with good potential are blown due to the photographer trying to execute a photo with too many variables. Dial in the easy stuff first such as landscapes and skinning, then work your way up to the more complicated stuff.

Taking photos in the backcountry is an open-ended artform, so be ready to learn something new every time you venture out with a camera. It only gets better with practice.

Written by: Vince Shuley

The post Photos in the backcountry: Doing it Right first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

However, avalanche knowledge and rescue skills are in the “use it or lose it” category, meaning you have to keep it fresh if you want to be on your game in the winter backcountry. There’s now a specific one-day course for that, called the Companion Rescue Skills Clinic. Learn more avalanche training now!

I’ve done my AST 1 course. Now what?

The absolute first step in your avalanche education career should be to take the introductory level 1 avalanche course as known as AST 1 course. In 2019, it’s very much considered the prerequisite to setting foot into any avalanche terrain, regardless of the education level of others in the party.

From there, it’s worth gaining some backcountry experience in terrain and conditions that you are comfortable with. If you intend to push into more complex terrain or want to head out in more dangerous conditions, that should be with an experienced backcountry mentor or a guide.

The AST 2 is the next course in Avalanche Canada’s curriculum that’s geared for a recreationalist. The avalanche training level 2 course does require a significantly higher commitment than the AST 1 in both time and money (MSAA offers the 4-day AST 2 course at $599), but should be on the horizon if you’ve had a few season’s experience and want to gain a better understanding of avalanches and travelling through more complex terrain.

But if it’s been a few seasons and you’re not ready to pull the trigger on the AST 2, there is an alternative to keep your skills sharp where they matter the most: rescuing your friends.

Enter the Companion Rescue Skills Clinic

A relatively new curriculum designed by Avalanche Canada, the Companion Rescue Skills Clinic (CRSC) is designed as a one-day expansion on the rescue techniques taught in the AST 1. Those who’ve taken their AST 1 are aware of how condensed the course material has to be to fit into two days.

The CRSC is held completely in the field and expands multiple and deep burial scenarios, group rescue coordination and how to search without transceivers. CRSC instructors will also introduce more advanced shovelling techniques and how to manage avalanche incident triage.

Further Avalanche Education

If you plan on touring a lot then it won’t be long before you are looking for further training beyond the AST 1.

The Companion Rescue Skills Clinic is a great stepping stone if you are feeling rusty on your avalanche rescue skills, but is by no means a substitute for the more in-depth AST 2. For those looking beyond recreation and possibly entering the guiding or backcountry operations industry, the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA)

Operations 1 course is an option, but one that requires considerably more investment (eight days, $1,400 and up). Spots in Operations 1 courses have limited availability and sell out extremely fast.

MSAA is currently offering one-day CRSCs twice a week (AST 1 is not a prerequisite).  If you’re feeling rusty on those rescue skills or need to get a friend up to speed fast, take the time now to make your winter safer.

Stay safe in the backcountry as knowledge is power.  Learn more about course dates for avalanche skills training for all levels. 

Written by: Vince Shuley

The post Keep Your Avalanche Skills Sharp This Winter first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

For these holidays. MSAA has profiled five of our favourite backcountry artists in the province. You can find these works sprinkled around mountain and coastal towns in BC, peruse their portfolios on Instagram and even contact them for commission if you’re so inclined.

Kate Zessel

Whistler artist Kate Zessel draws her inspiration not just from the mountains where she lives, but from the elusive creatures that inhabit them. The Vancouver native grew up spending her weekends in Whistler, where she moved full-time after graduating from the University of Victoria’s Graphic Design program.

“It was when I moved up here (to Whistler) that I began to draw with this style,” says Zessel. “When I go out for a hike or a bike ride, what I see and experience influences the way in which I illustrate these animals.”

The furry fauna in the Coast Range, such as bears, wolves and deer are a recurring theme in Zessel’s work, as are the now-scarce bison of British Columbia. Strong vectors, hatching and polygonal patterns compliment facial portraits of the creatures, depicting the places where Zessel instills her creativity whenever she takes a break from her home studio.

See more at zesseldesigns.com

JESSA GILBERT

The goal of Jessa Gilbert’s work is “to celebrate wilderness and adventure.”  Growing up in upstate New York before moving to Vermont to study Art and Art History at the University of Vermont, she competed nationally in freestyle snowboarding while honing her skill as a figurative painter. Making the move to BC in 2013 and settling in Squamish, she now blends her mountain passions by working as a tail guide at Baldface Lodge near Nelson and painting massive murals in homes and public spaces.

See more at jessagilbert.com

KENDRA HICKS

Guide and mountain girl in every sense of the word, Kendra Hicks draws inspiration from all of her alpine adventures whether skiing deep powder or climbing granite faces. Completely self-taught after buying a small collection of paint, one brush, and a sketch book in the Summer of 2015, her passion and talent for drawing her most revered landscapes belies her youth. All of Kendra’s paintings are acrylic on Canvas and they’re all of mountains, many of those in the Sea to Sky Corridor.

See more at kendrahicksart.com

SARAH KING

A London, England transplant now living in Tofino (after a few years in Whistler), Sarah King’s distinct style is influenced by BC’s coastline as well as its mountains, animals and people. Words are a big part of her work, using them as a texture and inspiring thought. Sarah’s client list includes heralded art collections such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Royal Society of Arts, as well as mainstream publications such as Oprah Magazine and Bloomberg Businessweek.

See more at sarahaking.com

HAYLEY STEWART

A rural Ontario native now residing in Revelstoke, Hayley Stewart’s discoveries as an artist were made exploring the beautiful and vast wilderness of Western Canada. Her distinct process begins on canvas with aerosol paint, a more explorative and expressive phase. The second, more deliberate and controlled phase, sketches, maps the foreground with meticulous detail.  Bold, saturated colours are a big part of her work, as are intriguing creatures.

See more at hayleystewart.com

Written by: Vince Shuley

The post These Backcountry artists will inspire you these holidays first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS) can happen when a skier or snowboarder falls into a tree well or deep, loose snow – usually headfirst. If the victim is inverted, they can become immobilized and unable to self-rescue, causing them to suffocate.

More than just trees…

As skiers and snowboarders in British Columbia, we’re often taught about the dangers of tree wells. Evergreen trees such as fir and hemlock often have large, deep tree wells that form when low hanging branches obstruct snow from naturally filling in and consolidating around the base of the tree. These voids are often hidden from view, especially after large snowfalls.

Large, unconsolidated snowfalls – such as the storm cycle we’re currently receiving in Whistler – can make all sorts of natural features into hazards. Creek beds, troughs, pretty much any depression in the terrain can create a pocket of snow that can trap unsuspecting skiers and snowboarders. Yes, you have to be unlucky. But it happens. Personally, I’ve had two friends involved in serious tree well accidents. One was lucky enough to be rescued in time by strangers skiing by. My other friend died before help arrived.

How to avoid SIS accidents

Telling skiers and snowboarders to not ski in the trees on a 50cm powder day is about as useful as orange juice at apres. So how can we prevent these accidents?

 

Ski with a buddy AND watch each other’s backs

“Buddying up” in the trees is one of the best safety nets for SIS accidents, but humans being humans, we sometimes get carried away with the euphoria of deep powder turns and don’t turn around to check on friends until we get to the bottom of the run. If a one person falls into a tree well and is immobilized, their buddy will only be helpful if they can get to them quickly. Make sure to keep each other within sight or within earshot, preferably both. If you don’t see or hear them, stop and call out before continuing down the run. Cat skiing guides will always do this with a loud “HEYYYY HO!” to make sure their clients all arrive in the same spot. You can use the same technique to maintain communication with your buddy.

Ski defensively

Another one that’s easy to forget about in the moment. If skiing in the trees, resist the temptation to slash all those powder stashes piled against the base of the trees. Falling in feet first usually just means digging yourself out, but head first can be fatal. Consider choosing gladed runs (trimmed trees have better spacing and less low-hanging branches) or stick to the open slopes. But after huge snow falls, remember SIS traps can be anywhere.

 

Track each other’s location

Smart phone technology has made it easier than ever to pin-point one’s geo location. When skiing with your friends on powder days, it’s worth having an app open on your phone where you can quickly check where your friends are and more importantly, if their blue location dot is still moving. There are plenty of family/friends tracking apps out there but few that are mountain-specific. My favourite app for Whistler by far is ULLR Adventure Maps, which is also the most comprehensive map ever made for Whistler Blackcomb Mountain. If two (or more) friends are using it, they can track each other’s locations and, if an emergency arises, you can call ski patrol with the victim’s exact location (ULLR was developed by a Whistler ski patroller using maps refined over decades for quick response times). Remember, however, both friends must have purchased the app and have it running on their phones to be able to locate one another.

WHat To do If you fall in a tree well in the snow

• Firstly, carefully grab at branches, the tree trunk or anything solid that can prevent you from sliding further into the hole.
• Try to avoid struggling after you have fallen in. Doing so will only lead to more snow caving in on top of you and you sinking further in the hole.
• Do your best to make an air pocket around your face and mouth. This can buy you precious time while you wait for your partner or helpers to make their way to you.
• Yell or whistle to get your partner’s attention or that of other skiers passing by. Stay as calm as possible to preserve air.
• Carry a whistle close to your face in either a chest pocket or on your front zipper.

Stay vigilant against SIS, especially after big snow storms

There’s nothing like a big snow storm to turn ski town frowns upside down, especially if its inhabitants have been snow-starved for a while. But when there’s big swell and not a lot of skier compaction in between cycles, the chance of SIS increases dramatically. Don’t let you or your friends become another statistic. Learn more about wilderness first aid or avalanche courses. Prepare yourself with avalanche training to keep you and your friends safe this winter.

https://vimeo.com/51002307   Written by: Vince Shuley

The post Big snow dumps mean big, dangerous tree wells first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.

What exactly are human factors?

The human factor can be largely attributed to heuristics — the process of gaining knowledge through intelligent guesswork, using previous experiences. Heuristics are a sort of mental shortcut. An example is pulling up to a set of traffic lights in your neighborhood. You’ve gone through these lights a thousand times, so you start to anticipate the sequence and when you expect the light to go green. Now if the traffic authority was to one day change that light sequence suddenly, you may find yourself running a red light because you’ve shortcutted the decision process down to when you normally expect the light to turn green. Falling into this potentially life-threatening situation is known as an heuristic trap.

How do human factors and heuristic traps apply to avalanche safety?

Utah-based avalanche researcher Ian McCammon has published several articles on the subject of heuristic traps in avalanche terrain, which he summarizes as Familiarity, Acceptance, Consistency, Expert Halo, Tracks/Scarcity and Social Facilitation (FACETS). Running a mental checklist through the following points can make you aware of your vulnerability to a decision influenced by human factors.

Familiarity – There is a trend among parties to make riskier decisions in familiar terrain than when traveling in unfamiliar terrain. This especially affects parties with high levels of experience and training.

Example: The party returns to a spot they’ve skied several times before, maybe even that season. The trap of “I always ski this” or “people ski this all the time” can cloud other stability issues that may have been brought by abnormal temperature or wind.

Acceptance – This can affect party members who take risks while seeking the respect of their peers. Parties with a mix of men and women tend to make riskier decisions than all-male or all-female parties.

Example: A party member may be looking to impress another party member of the opposite sex, so will have more reluctance to turn back from the objective even if there are other warning signs of instability.

Consistency – Parties that are highly committed to a goal will make riskier decisions – despite deteriorating conditions and weather – in order to obtain that goal. This is amplified in large groups where the pressure to obtain the goal is amplified.

Example: One or more members of the group has been planning to ski a certain couloir or face for the last two years and now has the opportunity in sunny weather. Will they be as likely to make a safe decision under those circumstances?

Expert Halo – The leader of a party may have been elected because of their age or skiing ability instead of their education and experience. Novice party members are more likely to follow their leader into dangerous situations than when novice groups make their decisions by consensus.

Example: People new to an area will default their decisions to those in the party who are more familiar with the terrain. A fatal mistake made by the group leader could often be avoided if their decision was questioned. If you get a bad feeling, try asking: “what are the reasons we’re choosing to ski this?”

Tracks/Scarcity – Parties will sometimes feel pressure to get out and ski the best slopes quickly because they are competing with other groups in the backcountry. This is prevalent in the increasingly popular and accessible Spearhead Range.

Example: Seeing other people getting after it ahead of you on the skin track can lead to rushed decisions. In the Spearhead Range in Whistler, popular runs like Decker Main Chute or Pattison NW face will often have several groups competing to ski it first.

Social Facilitation – This heuristic is the reason why the best bump runs form under chairlifts. People consciously ski better when they know others are watching. In the backcountry, it may cause the party to ski a line outside the group’s comfort zone in order to show off to other groups in the area.

Example: People love watching others skiers and riders send it, but that should not influence your decision on what you can ski safely and well.

How can I mitigate human factors in my own backcountry trips?

There is no easy answer to this question. One way is to give each decision a moment of “sober second thought.” Ask yourself (or your party) if anything else is driving the decision, besides the facts. Is someone displaying over-enthusiasm at wanting to ski a risky line and is that enthusiasm affecting the group decision?

Another method is to limit group size. Groups of four or more tend to get caught in more heuristic traps than groups of two or three. When planning your trip, try to avoid two or more groups merging into one large party.

Lastly, make the investment of time and money and get educated. Human factors are very much a part of the AST1 and AST2 curriculums, so ask the instructor to explain examples or anecdotes from their own experiences.

Interested in taking an avalanche course this winter? Use promo code MSAAsave10 and save 10% on AST1 courses booked before November 15. 

Written by: Vince Shuley

The post Understanding Human Factors in Avalanche Safety first appeared on Mountain Skills Academy.