THE AVALANCHE SAFETY GUIDE

The Western US has seen an unprecedented snowpack this year, delaying the arrival of spring and increasing the risk of avalanches. Four avalanche-related deaths have occurred over the past two weeks, bringing the total to 14 this season. It's essential to continue exercising caution and staying up to date on avalanche safety. SnowBigDeal offers a variety of resources and guides to help with avalanche safety. Additionally, skiers and snowmobilers alike can take advantage of significant discounts on avalanche safety gear through SnowBigDeal to stay safe while hitting the backcountry.

Avalanche rescue beacons and transceivers are proven to provide the quickest, most reliable method to locate an avalanche victim in time to save their life—which is why they are our #1 recommended piece of gear to carry in the backcountry. Although most avalanche beacons work in tandem, each has its own particular use case and set of features. We've compiled a list of the best avalanche beacons for winter 2022-23 to help you find the one that fits your needs.

You just witnessed the horror of watching a buddy get swept under by a massive avalanche; now what? This nightmare scenario is one we hope you avoid, yet undoubtedly it occurs far too often. Any individual and group in the backcountry must be prepared should the unthinkable happen. We've designed this guide so that you know what to do in a high-stakes emergency situation. The important thing is to stay calm, relax, and use your head. Panic is the enemy to focus and action. Follow along as we describe what to do should you or a group member get buried in an avalanche.

We’re all anxious to get out there on the big hill. It feels like we spend most of the season waiting. We wait for snow to fall, work to be over, and buddies to join. We get it, it’s hard to wait, but waiting one more minute might just save your life. We recommend taking a second to become aware of the telltale signs of avalanche danger.

Winter backcountry sports are growing in popularity. Whether you ski, board, sled, or shred, avalanche danger is a frequent threat. Education is a necessary first step if you're new to backcountry sports. For veteran riders, a refresher is always recommended. We've compiled an easy pre-ride safety checklist to guide your preparation and increase your confidence. Before any ride, you must complete the following pre-ride safety check.

Avalanche advisories are generated with weather data and on-the-ground research by avalanche professionals, experts, and riders. The information provided in these forecasts is accurate, thorough, and trustworthy. However, these detailed descriptions are often tricky to understand—especially for newcomers. SnowBigDeal has created this guide to help snow enthusiasts understand the basics of avalanche advisories, what information they provide, and how to read them.