This is a handbook for anyone venturing above the snow-line in winter or summer. The writer explains how to avoid avalanche accidents through observation, recognition of avalanche terrain and good route-finding. This advice is reinforced by a variety of case histories from around the world. The second edition incorporates up-to-date techniques and equipment and also addresses the problem of stability evaluation for back-country telemarkers, snowboarders and extreme skiers.

Essential reading for all outdoor enthusiasts who venture into mountainous terrain where avalanches are common. In spite of the increasing sophistication of avalanche hazard forecasting, an alarming number of people die every year in backcountry avalanche accidents. This updated edition of Backcountry Avalanche Safety contains the latest information on avalanche risk and focuses on the following vital topics: Mountain Weather Snow and Snowpack Types of Avalanches Avalanche Terrain Trip Planning Avalanche Gear Travel in Avalanche Terrain Riding Steep Slopes Companion Rescue Using colour photographs along with detailed charts, graphs and diagrams, the author clearly explains the importance of managing risk while enjoying backcountry adventure during the winter months.

* For intermediate-to-advanced backcountry skiers* Includes trip planning, navigation, fitness, and avalanche safety information, in addition to techniques*Provides advice on how to make well-informed backcountry decisionsMartin Volken and his co-authors provide skiers with all the tools and knowledge they need to safely and successfully travel in the mountain backcountry. The guide features intermediate-to-advanced techniques for ski touring and ski mountaineering, from planning backcountry trips to perfecting turns in rolling terrain and mastering uphill climbing. For those skiers ready for a more technical, high alpine environment, they draw on traditional mountaineering skills, including roped climbing, setting protection anchors, using ice axes, climbing on bare rock, and more. In addition to mastering techniques, Backcountry Skiing also features information on recent evolutions in ski equipment; avalanche safety tips; a primer on mountain weather and glaciers, trip planning tools, a discussion of emergency situations, nutrition and fitness advice, and winter camping basics.Throughout this guide, a special emphasis is put on being well-informed and making good decisions - whenever you strap on your skis and skins and head out into the backcountry.

Winter recreation in the mountains has increased steadily over the past few years, and so has the number of deaths and injuries caused by avalanches. Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain covers everything you need to know to avoid trouble in avalanche terrain: what avalanches are and how they work, common myths, human activities that lead to avalanche trouble, what happens to victims when an avalanche occurs, and rescue techniques. Provides step- by-step instruction for determining avalanche hazards, using safe travel technique, and making effective rescues.

What are our survival odds in avalanche country? Author Bruce Kay explores this puzzle in Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose. Drawing from the experiences of his peers and his own 35 years as a climber, skier and avalanche professional, Kay explains why avalanche country demands a unique mindset of managing risk by consideration of the unknown as much as the known. He explores related topics, including: - The Siren Song of Culture - Intuition and Bias - what is the difference? - Optimism and Luck - do we roll the dice or calculate risk? - The Expert Illusion - Strategic Mindset Using the work of Ian McCammon, Gary Klein and the Nobel Prize winning Kahnemen, Kay shows how the avalanche problem is nearly perfectly designed to produce errors in judgement, yet still provide opportunity for solution. This is brought to life using case studies and adrenaline - pumping stories from fellow professionals and recreationists. He warns that his book may at times "demand a bit more of the reader than the average ski video," but if truly interested in surviving to ski another day, this book is for you.

This book is essential reading for anyone venturing above the mountain snowline in either summer or winter. Emphasis is placed on prevention of avalanche accidents through observation, recognition of avalanche terrain and good route-finding, and is reinforced by case histories from Canada, the USA and Scotland.

Presents historical background on ski mountaineering, which is climbing a mountain on skis and then skiing down the slopes, and offers tips on climbing and skiing specific mountains.