The backcountry is a fun playground but as consequences can be devastating, traveling smartly is absolutely necessary. Vera Janssen and KJ Johansson summarize the basics of avalanche safety in this educational video that is meant to trigger your interest in avalanches and/or refresh your safety knowledge. But seriously, go take a course in avy safety—this video is meant as an introduction to your own studies and not meant to replace actual professional instruction.

Produced by: Vera Janssen

Additional footage provided by: Aaron "Trout" Maksymec, Brian Hockenstein, David Craig, Vera Janssen, KJ Johansson, Nadia Samer

Special thanks to: BCA Backcountry Access, Canadian Avalanche Association, Frontier Films, Randall Stacey