The majority of avalanches occur in the backcountry on slopes with an angle of 30 degrees or more, but they can happen on slopes with less of an angle. People cause most avalanches. When a heavy layer of snow sits on top of a weak layer of snow on a slope, an avalanche is possible because the weak layer underneath cannot support the heavy top layer. An avala… read more
An avalanche brings tons of snow rolling down a slope, often reaching speeds between 60 and 80 miles an hour within the first five seconds. It isn't always possible, but you can try to ski out of an avalanche under the right conditions and with some quick thinking. read more
Few activities are more exhilarating than backcountry skiing or snowboarding. The lack of crowds and lift lines, as well as the chance to experience untracked snow gives the expert skier or rider the ultimate sense or freedom. However, the backcountry is not without its dangers. Being prepared is crucial to safety. read more
The only sure way to survive an avalanche is to not be caught in one to begin with. Despite the best efforts of skillful back-country travelers, avalanches do happen. In order to increase your chance of survival, it's important to know what to do, should you become caught in an avalanche. read more
In Switzerland's Romansh language, the word "avalanche" means "falling mass of snow." Avalanches occur throughout the United States and around the world in mountainous terrain during the winter months. read more
The fear of anyone that hikes or climbs in snow-covered mountainous country is the potential of being swept up in an avalanche. A typical avalanche has the ability to carry a great deal of snow at high speeds down a mountain. Anything… read more
Skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry is an awesome activity, but it is also one in which you must take calculated risks and responsibility for your actions. The threat of avalanches is greatest on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees, but t… read more
Backcountry skiing is an exhilarating sport. With this activity, you need to keep safety in mind at all times. Purchasing an avalanche beacon is an important part of this. Buying a good quality avalanche beacon could become a life savi… read more
Building a kicker for ski or snowboard jumps in the backcountry is not for the faint of heart or the beginning rider. You should already be confident with your skills in launching off kickers and landing jumps, as well as evaluating th… read more
Canada's Banff National Park -- a 2,500-square-mile park in Alberta's Rocky Mountains (about the size of Delaware) -- is a beautiful place, offering lots of things to do. These activities range from skiing to camping to hiking to shopp… read more
While snowshoes may seem intimidating to a beginner, they're quite easy to walk in if you're wearing the appropriate size. Each size of snowshoe is designed to carry a specific weight range, so before you purchase snowshoes, you should… read more
Those unfamiliar with backcountry snowboarding and skiing may think that an avalanche beacon is designed to predict avalanches. Harboring misconceptions about the purpose and usage of a beacon is a very dangerous thing when traveling i… read more
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With snowboarding comes dreams of hitting big air and launching ramps. Before you hit the ramps, they have to be built. Whether a seasoned pro or a beginner, you can build a snowboard ramp to hit the big air you dream of. read more
Alpine mountaineering exposes you to the hazards of steep mountain slopes covered in snow and ice. These hazards aren't random--they result from a mix of well-understood circumstances. Most successful backcountry travelers see them as… read more
Climbers and skiers traveling in avalanche terrain carry specialized rescue equipment that helps locate avalanche victims quickly. Each member of the party takes along three necessary items: a beacon, a probe and a shovel. Newer safety… read more
An avalanche occurs when snow slides down a mountainside, creating a path of destruction in its wake. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center website, avalanches kill an average of 150 people each year around the globe. read more
Avalanche and LaMar manufacture quality snowboards for beginner and intermediate riders. The companies are well-established and have earned solid reputations in the snowboarding community. Both companies offer snowboards in a variety o… read more
The Canadian Rockies include major Canadian national parks such as Banff, Jasper, Waterton Lakes, Kootenay and Yoho. The Rocky Mountains' vast territory of land and water is filled with spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife and many na… read more
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding opens up a new world of vertical pleasure and descents. Telemark or Apline Touring skiers frequently "earn their turns" by climbing the mountains and slopes before dropping down steep lines and untra… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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