Item: THE GERMAN ALPINE CLUB (DAV) SKI TOURING STUDY: MINDSET, RISK ASSESSMENT AND DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES AMONG SKI TOURING GROUPS IN THE ALPS
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Title: THE GERMAN ALPINE CLUB (DAV) SKI TOURING STUDY: MINDSET, RISK ASSESSMENT AND DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES AMONG SKI TOURING GROUPS IN THE ALPS
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Martin Schwiersch [ Safety Research Commission of the German Alpine Club ]
- Lukas Fritz [ German Alpine Club (DAV), Munich, Germany ]
- Bernhard Streicher [ Safety Research Commission of the German Alpine Club ] [ Johannes-Kepler-University, Linz, Austria ]
- Florian Hellberg [ Edelrid GmbH, Isny, Germay ]
- Christoph Hummel [ Safety Research Commission of the German Alpine Club ] [ Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service, Munich, Germany ]
- Thomas Feistl [ Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service, Munich, Germany ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: This study investigates the decision-making processes of ski touring groups in avalancheprone areas. Existing research has primarily explored specific aspects of decision-making or employed nonfield designs, leading to a need for a comprehensive field study. This study aims to fill that gap by examining how ski touring groups make decisions in real-world conditions, particularly in light of rapidly evolving avalanche information tools. Moreover, a qualitative survey of DAV instructors in 2018 revealed a discrepancy between recommended decision-making strategies and actual practices, underscoring the importance of this field study. The study was conducted by the DAV Safety Research Department during the winters of 2019/20 and 2021/22 in the Austrian Alps, involving 112 ski touring groups (345 individuals). The research utilized structured interviews before and after tours, terrain risk analyses, and expert evaluations to assess the decision- making processes of these groups. Key questions addressed included the factors guiding decision-making, the role of probabilistic tools, and the appropriateness of the decisions made. Results showed that while 91% of tours were conducted at moderate to considerable avalanche danger levels, probabilistic methods were seldomly used in the field. The study also revealed that nearly half of the hazardous spots identified by risk analyses were overlooked by the groups both before and during the tour. Despite high self-reported competence, many groups demonstrated gaps in avalanche-specific knowledge and risk management practices. Overall, the findings suggest that although ski touring groups often make acceptable decisions, there is room for improvement in their use of decision-making tools and in recognizing hazardous terrain. This highlights the ongoing need for education and the potential benefits of integrating more advanced tools into ski tour planning and execution.
Object ID: ISSW2024_P11.14.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Tour planning, equipment, risk assessment, decision making, backcountry skiing
Page Number(s): 1591 - 1598
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