The Impact of Avalanche Education on Risk Perception, Confidence, and Decision-Making among Backcountry Skiers
Kaylin M. Greene, Jordy Hendrikx, J. David Johnson
Abstract
With the burgeoning popularity of winter backcountry leisure, there has been an increased interest in implementing education to prevent avalanche related accidents. Yet little research has explored whether avalanche education actually improves avalanche risk awareness. The current study examined why participants enrolled in avalanche education, what they learned, and whether participation led to changes in risk perceptions, risk perception confidence, and decision-making. Backcountry skiers and snowboarders enrolled in an introductory avalanche course in Montana (N = 184, 47.28% female) completed surveys before and after the course that included randomized photos of regional avalanche terrain. Multi-level models demonstrated that participants became more conservative in their risk perceptions and their stated willingness to ski uncertain terrain between pre- and post-test. Perception confidence increased, with larger gains for women, novices, and risk averse skiers. The results provide preliminary evidence that avalanche education may impact risk perceptions and provide useful hands-on skills for winter backcountry recreationalists.