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Avalanches have long been associated with backcountry skiing, a place where thrill-seekers push boundaries and where conditions are raw and unmanaged. But in recent years, avalanches have become an unfortunate reality even within our ski area boundaries, claiming the lives of seasoned skiers and beginners alike. Incidents like the tragic avalanche at Palisades Tahoe this past season have underscored a hard truth: avalanches are not confined to the backcountry. They are a real threat to all who strap on skis or a snowboard.
The Growing Threat of In-Bounds Avalanches
With unpredictable weather patterns, warming climates, and heavier snowfall, ski areas face avalanche risks that extend beyond what we may consider “high-risk” areas. Once thought to be safe havens, in-bounds terrain is now showing vulnerability under certain conditions. Ski patrol teams work tirelessly to mitigate these risks, but even with the latest technologies and skilled professionals, nature’s unpredictability can result in unexpected events.
This past season illustrated that the comfort of skiing in-bounds doesn't equal immunity from avalanche dangers. In-bounds avalanches, though less common than those in unmanaged backcountry terrain, still pose a significant threat — one that can easily catch skiers and snowboarders off guard. Steeper terrain within ski areas as well as open gates to lift accessed, un-groomed slopes leave the resort skier and rider vulnerable to the power of Mother Nature.
Understanding the Risks
Avalanches are triggered by a complex interplay of factors. Heavy snowfall, rapid warming, and changes in snowpack stability can create prime avalanche conditions. Even a seemingly moderate slope can turn deadly under the right circumstances. In-bound areas with significant vertical and steeper terrain, particularly following a snowstorm or period of intense warming, are especially susceptible.
Resorts use extensive mitigation strategies, including controlled avalanches, fencing, and restricted access zones to manage these risks. However, avalanche conditions change quickly, often within hours. While many skiers believe that ski patrol has complete control over snow stability, it’s crucial to remember that no avalanche mitigation technique can eliminate risk entirely.
Preparation: The Key to Safety
For any skier or rider, preparation begins with an understanding of the risks, including:
Checking Avalanche Conditions: Most resorts share updates on avalanche conditions, and it’s wise to check these before heading out. Resources like the local and regional avalanche center or resort websites can give insights into recent snowfall, temperature changes, and overall avalanche risk.
Learning Avalanche Basics: There is no substitution for avalanche awareness and safety courses. There are free online resources available as well as a cavalcade of local and regional classes (including us) that are available year-round. While a day of training won’t make anyone an expert, it equips skiers with valuable skills for understanding snowpack, slope angle, and safe terrain navigation.
Sticking to Managed Terrain: While the allure of a fresh powder stash may be strong, staying within patrolled and open areas is often the simplest and most effective safety measure. When today's avalanche threat is considerable risk or higher, sticking to the in-bounds groomers is your best plan.
Essential Equipment: Avalanche Beacons, Probes, Shovels and Airbags
Your first line of defense should be education and awareness and for anyone venturing into avalanche-prone terrain — even within ski resort boundaries — carrying an avalanche beacon, probe, shovel and airbag is a wise choice. The odds of recovering an avalanche victim alive after 15 minutes of burial are slim. Having the proper equipment on big snow days can save a life. Here’s how each tool contributes to safety:
Avalanche Beacons: These devices, worn close to the body, transmit a signal that can be detected by other beacons. In the event of an avalanche, nearby rescuers can use their beacons to locate the victim. Every second counts when it comes to avalanche survival, and a beacon can make a life-or-death difference.
Probes: The probe is utilized to find a buried victim. While a beacon may locate a victim knowing where to dig can be confirmed with a probe. The St. Bernhard is not coming to dig you out!
Shovel: The avalanche shovel is easily collapsable to fit in your pack. It is the only way to reach a victim with the necessary speed once located.
Avalanche Airbags: Designed to keep users closer to the surface of snow, avalanche airbags increase the chances of survival by reducing burial depth. While not a guarantee, the use of an airbag during an avalanche can drastically improve outcomes for those involved.
Many ski areas have begun encouraging or even requiring beacons for certain high-risk areas, and it’s a practice that all skiers and riders should consider adopting — not just those in the backcountry.
Real-Life Tragedy: The Avalanche at Palisades Tahoe
This last season at my favorite local ski area, an in-bounds avalanche swept across popular terrain, taking the life of an experienced skier. The resort has one of the most respected and comprehensive avalanche mitigation programs in the world for modern ski areas. This tragedy serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how advanced a ski area’s safety protocols, nature remains unpredictable and powerful. The avalanche caught both seasoned athletes and casual skiers unaware, highlighting the urgent need for a shift in awareness across the skiing community. Avalanches can and do happen within the boundaries of our favorite resorts, affecting everyone from beginners to pros. If you venture out on a fantastic POW day you need to have a level of understanding that allows you to assess and safely navigate your desired terrain. And, even in when all of your "i's" are dotted and your "t's" are crossed, avalanches still happen and it it up to you to understand how to increase your odds of survival and help others.
Moving Forward: Elevating Avalanche Awareness for All
Ski areas worldwide are continually improving avalanche safety and snow management strategies, but the skiing community must evolve too. While high-tech equipment and extensive snow control measures are invaluable, they are only part of the solution. Greater awareness and preparation among individual skiers and riders are essential. As winter enthusiasts, we share the responsibility to stay informed and prepared, understanding that avalanche risk is real — even in-bounds.
Ultimately, keeping the mountains safe for everyone means embracing avalanche awareness as a fundamental part of our skiing and riding culture. From learning how to read avalanche forecasts to investing in beacons and airbags, there are actionable steps every skier can take to protect themselves and others. As we move forward, let’s remember the lessons of recent in-bounds avalanches and use them as fuel to foster a culture of safety that goes beyond the backcountry.
Embrace the mountains, respect their power, and never underestimate the importance of avalanche awareness.
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