Utah’s early-season snowpack has monsters in the basement. It’s times like these (and any time you’re in the backcountry) that you need the tools to stay safe and avoid avalanches. But you need more than the proper gear. You also must possess knowledge. One way to get educated is through the new Know Before You Go (KBYG) Online Avalanche Education Program.
This web-based training is split into five eLearning courses:
- Get the Gear
- Get the Training
- Get the Forecast
- Get the Picture
- Get Out of Harm’s Way
Learning about avalanches is the best way to ski, ride, and hike in avalanche terrain safely. While these courses are not meant to replace on-the-mountain Avy 1 classes, they are a decent primer for beginners, or experts in need of a refresher. Anyone who wants to learn more about avalanche safety skills and how to avoid slides will benefit. Plus, if you’re taking your Level 1, Avalanche Rescue, or Backcountry 101 classes, these online provide great material to get you ready.
The courses are completely free at kbyg.org/learn. Once you sign up and register, you’ll find an interactive mix of text, photos, videos, animations and links to further content to study. There are also exercises embedded into the website that you can access from any device like your phone, computer or tablet. Each course takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour complete.
So if you’re a backcountry pro who’s a few years removed from that Avy 1, a newbie who’s never stepped foot into a skin track, and everyone in between, check out the KBYG online avalanche courses.