Upcoming Avalanche Video Series to Enhance Off-Piste Safety Awareness
In a bid to enhance the safety of outdoor enthusiasts venturing into New Zealand's alpine backcountry, the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has launched a 23-part video series titled "Avalanche Tips and Terms: From the forecast to the field." The series, known as "Above and Beyond," is now freely available on the NZAA website and YouTube.
This comprehensive series is aimed at beginner and intermediate alpine enthusiasts, including skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers, alpine trampers, and hunters. It covers essential topics such as avalanche terminology, interpreting forecasts, terrain recognition, and decision-making, providing viewers with a strong foundation of avalanche awareness.
Each episode tackles a key concept to help viewers read terrain, assess conditions, and travel safely in the backcountry. The series uses New Zealand footage only to illustrate avalanche dangers unique to the country.
Mike, from the series creators, states that the series provides relevant, practical safety tips and techniques. He expresses confidence that the series will have a positive impact on reducing incidents in the outdoors.
The series offers real-life examples to help backcountry users understand New Zealand avalanche dangers and how to use NZ Avalanche Advisory information for safety. The NZ Avalanche Advisory can be checked for local avalanche forecasts. The series also acknowledges and thanks numerous contributors, including Tūpiki Trust, Walsh & Beck, Arc'teryx AUNZ, and others, for their invaluable support.
In addition to the video series, the Mountain Safety Council's website is launching a growing library of free outdoor safety resources. An online avalanche course is available for further learning, and hands-on training from a trusted course provider can be sought for practical application.
The "User's Guide to Understanding the NZ Avalanche Advisory" is a valuable resource for interpreting advisory information. The series is part of a broader effort by New Zealand's mountain safety organizations to increase "Avalanche IQ" among backcountry users.
With the launch of this new video series, New Zealand continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety of its outdoor enthusiasts. Backcountry users are encouraged to take advantage of this resource to enhance their avalanche awareness and enjoy the beautiful New Zealand landscapes safely.
The Mountain Safety Council's video series, "Avalanche Tips and Terms: From the forecast to the field," caters to individuals passionate about home-and-garden activities such as alpine tramping and hunting, as well as sports enthusiasts like skiers and snowboarders, by offering insights into outdoor-living practices and safety tips specific to New Zealand's alpine backcountry. The series offers practical advice on avalanche awareness, including terrain recognition and decision-making, ensuring that participants can make informed choices when engaging in their favorite sports or hobbles.
