Avalanche Safety and Education

At Backcountry Access we pride ourselves in manufacturing the best snow safety equipment on the planet. But the one piece of equipment we don’t manufacture is knowledge.  It’s critical that all of our customers realize that the best way to stay safe in the backcountry is through education.  Understanding terrain, weather, snowpack and how to avoid avalanches is your ticket to a long life of backcountry enjoyment. We encourage you to pursue avalanche education as vigorously as you pursue your passion for backcountry sports.

Basic Avalanche Safety

	Avalanche Awareness Guide
	Beacon Searching 101
	Shoveling 101
	Probing 101

Find an Avalanche Educator

There's no substitute for real, on-snow avalanche education.

Select a state, province, or country from the drop down menu to find an educator in your area.

Avalanche Conditions

Click here to see daily or weekly avalanche condition reports.

Avalanche Rescue Instructional Videos

	"Tracker 101: Mastering your Digital Transceiver" is filmed in conjunction with Teton Gravity Research. This DVD instructs viewers how to do a basic search with the Tracker DTS and is applicable to all digital beacons. Includes extra animations on flux lines and multiple burials. Narrated by TGR's Jim Conway. Available directly from BCA.
	"Take Charge: Leading a Companion Rescue" is also filmed in conjunction with TGR and is sponsored by Backcountry Magazine. This DVD explains how to lead your group through an avalanche rescue from start to finish. 20 minutes. Available directly from BCA.

Youth Educational Programs

BCA is proud to sponser educational youth programs. Click these links for more information.

AIARE
Enhancing public safety through high quality avalanche training.

Alpine Safety Awareness Program
A community-based effort involving local resources aimed at bringing alpine safety awareness to middle- and high-school students.

Know Before You Go
The Utah Avalanche Center offers a free avalanche education program for young adults.

The Fine Line
A rowdy and educational feature-length film produced by Rocky Mountain Sherpas.

Beacon Training Parks

Practicing search and rescue techniques is essential preparation for any backcountry trip. BCA Beacon Training Parks are training systems created to make it easier for recreationists and pros to practice with their transceivers. Go to our Beacon Training Park page to find one near you.