Decision-making in avalanche terrain-How does assessment of terrain, reading of avalanche forecast and environmental observations differ by skiers' skill level?

The level of expertise fundamentally affect how backcountry skiers assess the severity of terrain, make use of the information obtained from the avalanche forecast, and their choice of strategies for collecting information from the environment during a trip. We propose to promote the development terrain assessment skills among novice backcountry skiers first as it allows them to control their avalanche risk based on more easily interpretable observations and develop the more challenging avalanche hazard assessment skills gradually through experience.