Know Before You Go: An Avalanche Safety PSA

Know Before You Go aims to spark dialogue about avalanche safety—and the film couldn’t have come at a better time. Every year, more and more recreationalists are enticed into the backcountry. And, oftentimes, they are ill-equipped. 

This “PSA” aims to change that. Not only does the film’s cast of characters include some of the biggest names in winter sports (Jeremy Jones, Travis Rice and Chris Davenport, to name a few), but it also shares the perspectives of avalanche forecasters, ski patrollers, survivors and even the friends and family of those killed by avalanches. If the ridiculous footage looks familiar, that’s because clips are provided by the likes of Red Bull Media House, Sherpas Cinema and Brainfarm. Not to mention, resources like the Utah Avalanche Center, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Avalanche Canada, the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education and more are behind this massive undertaking. 

The result is an insightful, well-rounded film that’s informative and sobering without resorting to scare tactics. Instead of terrorizing would-be backcountry travelers with “Just Say No” propaganda, this collective of snow- and safety-lovers recommends a strategic approach when studying avalanche terrain. 

Watch and share with your backcountry partners. Make sure to follow up on the five steps outlined in the film: 

•    Get the gear 
•    Get the training
•    Get the forecast
•    Get the picture
•    Get out of harm’s way