Risky Business

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

By Brigid Mander

Storms keep rolling through, bringing more powder. The usual strong winds and the new load have increased avalanche danger and created some starting zones. Later things will have quieted down, giving the snow time to bond.

No one really bothers to wait for the snow to settle, though. Temptation and competition have helped make risky behavior the norm, like rushing out during storms or as soon as the sky clears. It’s not just a Jackson Hole problem, but is shared by ski communities all over North America, Europe and South America.

Many ski industry role models and avalanche organizations try to teach smart behavior and backcountry education. Some, like local Stephen Koch’s organization (www.AvalancheAwareness.org), target young people to instill good habits.
Canadian film company Rocky Mountain Sherpas has joined the effort  to avoid danger in the mountains in the same medium that inspires a lot of risky actions: film. Check out their ideas on www.RockyMountainSherpas.com. With such a funny and talented crew of young professionals making a safety flick, they may just help save a few lives.
— Brigid Mander
PERMALINK:
Risky Business | Planet JH News Article: Snow Report Column

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