Item: Avalanche Education for Snowmobilers: Efforts of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
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Title: Avalanche Education for Snowmobilers: Efforts of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
Proceedings: 2002 International Snow Science Workshop, Penticton, British Columbia
Authors:
- Doug Chabot [ Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, Bozeman, Montana ]
Date: 2002
Abstract: The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, located in Bozeman, Montana, serves an area that receives tremendous snowmobile use. Backcountry snowmobiling in avalanche terrain is on the rise in the Western US and so is the number of riders being caught in slides. Montana had nine fatalities last winter, all of them snowmobile rs. Nationally, 94 snowmobilers died in avalanches over the last 10 years, leading all other recreation groupS. The best way to mitigate this upward trend is through avalanche education. Recognizing this, we've begun to offer avalanche courses aimed specifically at snowmobilers throughout Montana. This paper will help answer the question "How can we effectively teach snowmobilers about the dangers of avalanches?" Most educators come from a skiing background and consequently are handicapped in talking to snowmobilers about avalanches. In order to appreciate the challenges for educating this group we'll look at the unique problems riders face, list the stereotypes associated with them and their perceived myths. Finally, we'll offer practical solutions to the complexities of teaching this group.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: avalanche education, snowmobiles, avalanches
Page Number(s): 237-241
Subjects: avalanche education snowmobilers gallatin national forest
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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