Winter Backcountry Safety
This year has brought an exponential increase in demand for recreation in our mountain community and with the winter season well underway, we feel it’s pertinent to get proper safety information out to the masses. Winter recreation, including but not limited to: hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, touring, snowmobiling or split boarding in Summit County, comes with the very real danger of avalanches. Colorado is historically one of the most avalanche prone regions in the world, due to our elevation, weather, snowpack, and topography. Every year, avalanches seriously injure and/or take the lives of those who are not prepared to recreate in avalanche terrain. The USDA Forest Service’s White River National Forest has made this handy checklist for you to review BEFORE you head into the backcountry.

Colorado is one of the most avalanche prone places in the world.
Review this checklist BEFORE heading into the backcountry, to make sure you are prepared.
Before Your Trip:
At the Trailhead:
Terrain Awareness:
Responsibility Code:
All information credited to the USDA Forest Service White River National Forest.





