Avalanche and snowmobile safety reminders and resources
The RCMP are asking skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and anyone else enjoying the outdoors to exercise caution when leaving groomed and managed trails.
Please use available resources to find out about avalanche conditions and to ensure you are properly prepared before entering any of these areas this season.
Enjoy the outdoors, but come home safely to friends and family.
Before heading out to the back country:
- Check avalanche conditions in the area you plan on visiting. If there is a high risk, go to another area that is a lower risk. Avalanches can occur quickly and can have devastating results.
- Plan ahead, ride safely and arrive home to enjoy British Columbia’s spectacular outdoors again.
- Plan and be prepared.
- Bring along an avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, warm clothing, survival kit, first aid kit, and basic tool kit.
- Leave an itinerary with someone, and don't go alone.
- Never rely on other snowmobilers to bail you out. Ride within your limits and ride with respect to the area you are riding in.
Snowmobile safety tips:
- Never ride alone or rely on other snowmobilers to bail you out.
- Never cross rivers and lakes. There is a high danger of plunging under ice. There is less traction on ice than snow.
- Stay on the trail. Be sure to observe and read the signs on the mountain.
- Don't drink and ride. Impaired driving regulations apply to snowmobiles too.
More information on outdoor safety tips and planning ahead:
- Avalanche facts and avalanche safety
- BC Avalanche Safety Program
- Avalanche conditions with the Avalanche Canada
- For information on proper planning and having the appropriate equipment under the extreme cold conditions, please check the AdventureSmart program
- Snowmobile Guide for British Columbia
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