We can not stress enough the importance of taking the precautionary steps if you decide to go outside the ski resort boundaries and into the backcountry.
There is a multitude of resources available to the general public that provide the first line of necessary tools to help ensure your safety. By no means will you be able to jump right into the backcountry after reading the latest avalanche report and forecast as it takes years of training and experience to even begin to understand the necessary signs of safety and danger.
Get educated, get organized with the necessary gear, and stay up-to-date with the latest avalanche conditions and forecast from the avalanche centers located across the United States and Canada.
Education
American Avalanche Association
American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
Forest Service National Avalanche Center
Canadian Avalanche Association
Gear
Backcountry Skiing and Ski Mountaineering Equipment List from the American Alpine Institute.
Avalanche Centers
Alaska: Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, Cordova, Juneau, Valdez
Arizona: Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center
California: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, Mount Shasta Avalanche Center, Sierra Avalanche Center
Colorado: Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Crested Butte Avalanche Center
Idaho: Payette Avalanche Center, Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center, Sawtooth Avalanche Center
Montana: Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, Flathead Avalanche Center, Missoula
New Hampshire: Mount Washington Avalanche Center
Oregon: Wallowa Avalanche Center
Utah: Utah Avalanche Center
Washington: Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center
Wyoming: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
Canada: Canadian Avalanche Center
WATCH: Know Before You Go
Additional Resources
OpenSnow: Snow Forecasts & Reports
SNOTEL: Automated system of snowpack and related climate sensors
WATCH: BASICS 7 | Snow Safety & Awareness
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