Hi,

Just wanted to reinforce a message on this thread that many, particularly Eire, have stressed.

Avalanche awareness is about individual decisions. While there are many resources to help you plan, it comes down to your knowledge and experience to keep you safe.

A deadly avalanche just happened in Revelstoke, Canada. For those not familiar, the area typically gets between 12-18 meters of snow per year.

Here is a quote that emphasizes personal responsibility:

Adam Burke, 20, a member of the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club, said his mother and many of his friends were up there at the time, but his mother was OK.

Mr. Burke said he chose not to go, because of the dangerous conditions in the mountains this weekend.

“It was high risk and just the other day it was extreme,” he said Saturday by telephone.

“I told everyone to shut the mountain down. ... Just how I've been riding and I've noticed a lot of slab avalanches and I've caused a lot of little stuff over the season and it's just progressively gotten worse.

“I told my mom to shut it down and don't have anything to do with this event because it's going to kick you in the ass.”

I do hope the estimates are high, but please be careful, even in events that are "organized."

full link here

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Sea...790/story.html

I understand the snow is different in Western Canada versus Switzerland. The point remains where you choose to play is your decision, and in 99% of cases, you can virtually eliminate the risk by knowing how to personally assess where you are going to play.

Play safe!