Avalanche hazard affect many different user groups. Traditional recreational backcountry user groups include backcountry skiers, snowmobile riders and out-of-bounds skiers. But there are also smaller groups, such as ice climbers and mountaineers, and emerging groups like snow-shoers. And then there are commercial guiding operations and professional avalanche safety operations. Each of these groups have different objectives, levels of awareness and risk management expertise.
Our objective in this research area is to advance our understanding of the motivations, attitudes and the strength and weaknesses of the risk management process of the different groups. This knowledge is critical for developing effective prevention initiatives that address existing challenges.
