Did you know that several hundred people are killed each year in avalanches? For comparison, more than 35 people are killed every year in France alone (as many as 57 were killed in the 2005/06 season), with 25 fatalities in the U.S.A., Austria and Switzerland respectively. Around 22 occurred in both Canada and Italy. In New Zealand at least two people are killed each year. Avalanches can occur on any ski slope. Usually, experienced professionals aren’t killed by them, only the regular skiers who don’t know how to recognise the warning signs or use their freeride equipment properly.

Experts claim that as much as 90% of fatalities resulting from avalanches could be avoided through correct use of equipment and adequate training. I’ll reveal the tricks that you’ll need in order to identify potential dangers. You’ll find out what works and what doesn’t. These issues are a case of life or death, and there’s no time to experiment. You’ll also discover what to do if you’re caught in an avalanche and how to save a friend when his (or her) life depends on you.

If you’re an advanced skier and you enjoy skiing off-piste, and through sheer ignorance or lack of experience you cause an avalanche that becomes life-threatening or even kills someone, there’s no way to avoid jail. Your insurance can even be rendered invalid in some instances, and this book will explain why.

By reading this book you’ll know how to choose and use equipment that’s crucial for freeriding and may save your life. You’ll know how to recognize dangerous situations, how to avoid avalanches, and how to rescue a friend who’s caught and buried by an avalanche.