Priceless

The following write-up was submitted to Zac’s Tracs by a concerned rider. Norm is hopeful that the media attention and awareness that the recent snowmobile accidents has generated will convert into improved levels of avalanche training within our community.

“Riding in the back-country, for those of you who haven’t had the opportunity, is breathtaking and rewarding. The mountains deserve a great deal of respect, and when the respect isn’t there, there are cases where unfortunately, lives are lost. I have personally pulled an avalanche victim (a complete stranger) from a slide – it was difficult for me to watch his friends as we fought to revive him and were unsuccessful. I saw the pain that his friends were experiencing and I can assure you that it wasn’t an experience I’d like to have again. I don’t work for, nor am I affiliated with, an avalanche training organization, but I am passionate about making a difference and hoping that this information will help to save a life – yours or your buddy’s. Think of your loved ones that get left behind, or in some cases the rescuers that are caught in a secondary slide.

Just as a pilot or sailor checks weather conditions to plan their route, snowmobilers should be checking for current weather and avalanche conditions before venturing into the back-country. They should also have adequate training and safety and survival equipment (not just during avalanche conditions, but at all times).

In light of all the recent snowmobiling fatalities in the mountains this season, I’ve put together a checklist of items that will help in saving lives (I’m sure there are more helpful tips, this is just a starting point).

  • Take an avalanche safety course – this is a great resource for practical and classroom information; new information and techniques are always being discovered and taught. If you’ve taken the training and know what to look for, do the other members of your group know what to do in an emergency situation? You need a license to operate a vehicle, boat, airplane, etc. – this should be no different. Suggest that you update your avalanche safety training every three years, in addition to First Aid (CPR) training.
  • Check the current weather report (www.theweathernetwork.ca).
  • Check the current avalance bulletins (www.avalanche.ca).
  • Practice using all of your emergency equipment daily when snowmobiling in the back-country and then critique the exercise for areas of improvement (i.e. hide a beeper in a safe snowpack area and take turns, within your group, of leading as incident command) – you may know what to do, but what if you’re the one buried?
  • Always carry your shovel, probe, beeper and survival equipment on your body – if you separate from your equipment, you’ve just wasted valuable rescue time. An airbag backpack is also another safety tool.
  • Stay off slopes designated as unsafe (see avalanche bulletins). * Also, look for evidence of recent slides.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs on the hill – you need to stay sharp.
  • Refrain from high-marking (it weakens the snowpack) – you lose bragging rights when you lose your life.
  • One climber on a hill at a time.
  • The only help you have on the hill are fellow snowmobilers – medical aid can be hours away.
  • Do your best to never put yourself or anyone else in danger.

Having many years of experience of riding in the mountains doesn’t mean we’re experienced mountain riders. In addition, we need avalanche training, tools and respect to ride in the back-country. Don’t become a statistic. Live to play another day.”

Snowmobile: $10,000-15,000

Safety Equipment and Training: PRICELESS

Norm B.

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