Item: HOW BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS TRANSLATE AVALANCHE BULLETINS INTO DECISIONS: A SEASON – LONG STUDY IN THE SONDRIO PROVINCE (ITALY), WINTER 2024/25
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Title: HOW BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS TRANSLATE AVALANCHE BULLETINS INTO DECISIONS: A SEASON – LONG STUDY IN THE SONDRIO PROVINCE (ITALY), WINTER 2024/25
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Jacopo Borsotti [ Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada ]
- Alberto Mariani [ University of Insubria, Como, Italy ] [ Alpsolut S.r.l., Livigno, Italy ]
- Martin Metzger [ Alpsolut S.r.l., Livigno, Italy ]
- Giacomo Villa [ Alpsolut S.r.l., Livigno, Italy ]
- Luca Dellarole [ Alpsolut S.r.l., Livigno, Italy ]
- Davide Spini [ Collegio Guide Alpine Lombardia, Sondrio, Italy ]
- Federico Martinelli [ Collegio Guide Alpine Lombardia, Sondrio, Italy ]
- Giulia Geronimi [ Alpsolut S.r.l., Livigno, Italy ]
- Fabiano Monti [ Alpsolut S.r.l., Livigno, Italy ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Public avalanche forecasts are published daily by avalanche warning services to communicate avalanche hazard to the public for a particular area. They typically include the danger level, the prominent avalanche problems, and an overview of current snowpack conditions. Despite the extensive research on avalanche forecasting, one area that has not received attention so far is how individuals' behavior and perception of avalanche hazard evolve over the course of an entire winter season. In this pilot study, we present the results of daily surveys conducted in the Sondrio province (Italy) throughout the 2024/25 winter season with approximately 40 backcountry skiers of different experience levels: mountain guides and/or members of the mountain rescue, expert skiers, and occasional recreationists. Each evening, after reading the public avalanche forecast for the following day, participants completed a questionnaire on their intended skiing plans and their opinion on the overall ski conditions. This repeated design allowed us to capture how public avalanche forecast information was processed and translated into planned travel behavior under real-world conditions. In particular, it allowed us to identify differences across experience levels and to examine how intended behavior changed as environmental conditions varied. In addition, we conducted a complementary one-time survey across Italy to collect broader information on backcountry skiers, which we used to place the seasonal analysis in a wider context and to examine how these stated preferences translate into actual day-to-day decision-making. By spanning an entire winter season rather than focusing only on isolated events or individuals' knowledge, this work complements existing literature and offers a wider perspective on how public avalanche forecasts are used in practice. The results contribute to a better understanding of the link between traditional avalanche communication and backcountry decision-making, with potential implications for the design of more effective and user-oriented public avalanche forecasts.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P4.35.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099337
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Jacopo Borsotti
Keywords: avalanche safety; hazard communication; winter backcountry recreation; avalanche danger; avalanche bulletin
Page Number(s): 1642 - 1649
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