Avalanche education is an ongoing process &mdash there's no such thing as knowing too much about snow safety.

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

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.

Backcountry Access Shoveling Education

Because of digital transceiver technology, search times have been reduced from an average of 29 minutes (from 1977 to 2000) to 18 minutes (from 2000 to 2006). In the same time, however, excavation times have remained the same. To increase the chances of a live recovery, it is extremely important to shovel efficiently.

• To see a PowerPoint presentation on shoveling techniques, click here.
• To read a paper on strategic shoveling techniques, click here.
• To download PDF's on how to do a beacon search, how to probe and how to shovel efficiently, click here.

Avalanche Safety 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.

Avalanche Awareness Guide

Backcountry Access includes an Avalanche Awareness Guide in every catalog. This is a good reference to have when you are practicing with your transceiver.

Avalanche Awareness Guide

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.