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Avalanche Survival

Avalanche survival education is absolutely imperative if a person wants to start exploring the high mountains. The dangers associated with avalanches prove to be fatal to over 150 people per year, around the world. The keys to surviving such an event are education, equipment, and usually a great deal of luck.

The most important aspect of avalanche survival is to not venture into areas that pose a threat of avalanche. If you wouldn’t travel into an area without any survival equipment, it’s probably best not to go there at all. Knowing the conditions before you hike in is the best way to avoid a tragedy.

In the unfortunate event that you are caught in an avalanche, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of avalanche survival. If you are carrying equipment (skis, poles, snowshoes, etc.) drop it immediately so that they do not pull you further under the snow. Using swimming motions to try and stay on top of the snow can help keep you from becoming buried too far under for rescue.

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