Recreation specialization, avalanche training, and avalanche safety practices of backcountry skiers in the Canadian Mountain National Park

Abstract

Knowledge of demographics, avalanche training, and avalanche safety practices of backcountry skiers in the mountain national parks of Canada is of great importance to Parks Canada, the Canadian Avalanche Association, Canadian Avalanche Centre, and avalanche educators. The purpose of this paper was to obtain this information and to investigate if there was a relationship between recreation specialization level, avalanche training and avalanche safety practices. Investigating the usefulness of recreation specialization was also an important aspect of this research project. Questionnaires were used to measure the above variables. This project was conducted in cooperation with Parks Canada and was a continuation of a research project conducted by Parks Canada during the 2010 avalanche season.This research project took place in Banff, Yoho, and Glacier National Parks. Questionnaires were administered at the Rogers Pass Visitor Centre, Lake Louise Visitor Centre, Yoho Visitor Centre, A.O. Wheeler Hut, Elizabeth Parker Hut, an avalanche awareness night in Banff, a Glacier National Park Winter Permit night in Golden, B.C., and a presentation by Chic Scott in Canmore, A.B. Results indicate that there was a strong positive correlation between specialization level and level of avalanche training; a moderate to strong correlation between specialization and checking the avalanche bulletin and beacon practice; a weak correlation between specialization level and correct knowledge of current avalanche danger, minimum safety equipment and minimum safety practices.