Why do backcountry accidents happen? What can we reduce the chance of them happening to us?

In this episode, Chris and Jordy are joined again by Colin Zacharius to hear his take on some of the common mistakes that peoplåe can make that lead to accidents.

Colin is a well-known ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide and Canadian Avalanche Association Avalanche Professional. Colin has worked in the adventure industry since 1980 as a guide, guide trainer, avalanche educator, accident investigator, risk management specialist and speaker.

Colin leans into his extensive experience to share some of the common mistakes that people can make that lead to accidents.

Key Takeaways

Things we need to know about accidents:

Near Miss Learning Opportunities: In a near miss (which is a no accident or low consequence event) we can experience the same emotions and learning, without the actual harm or loss. We can then change how we do things, incorporate increased risk management procedures and improve our pre-activity analysis. This can be a net positive outcome.

Post Accident Planning: You need to have a plan for dealing with what is required post-incident. Don’t wait until you have an incident to try and make it up as you go. This includes having proper insurance coverage.

Common Avalanche Accident Factors: A high percentage of avalanche accidents occur on a deeply buried layer (deeper than 40cm). Not recognizing low probability, high consequence avalanches (could be a smaller avalanche, but in terrain that has trees, cliffs, crevasses, or terrain traps). Basing decisions too heavily on tests on adjacent slopes, and spatial variability results in triggering an avalanche where we do travel.

How we can reduce the risk of an accident:

Change Perception: Instead of looking at terrain as a ski/snowboard run, try looking at it as what is an avalanche path vs what is not. Use the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale and the Avaluator, which ask specific questions and the result puts you on a heat map. You can then dial back your terrain choices to be more toward the green.

Reduce Vulnerability: Reduce your vulnerability by wearing helmets, consider wearing an avalanche airbag backpack, and make sure your equipment is in good condition. Clear snow and ice out of your bindings so they don’t release prematurely. Wear eyewear when you are descending in treed areas.

You can’t actively reduce the hazard to you and your group, so choose terrain that is within your risk tolerance, while thinking ahead to what the consequences could be.

Reduce Exposure: Reduce your exposure (both time and number of people). Ease into the terrain, use good group management by not exposing more than one person to the danger, and don’t keep stepping it up until you trigger something.

If you find terrain and conditions that are working well for you, consider staying there rather than keep pushing into higher risk, higher consequence areas.

Increase Resiliency: Train, keep physically and mentally fit, and really try to avoid getting injured.

Guest Bio

Colin Zacharius is well renowned ACMG /IFMGA Mountain Guide who has worked in the adventure industry since 1980. Colin has worked as a guide, guide trainer, avalanche educator, accident investigator, risk management specialist and speaker.

He has worked extensively in the cat skiing and Heli-skiing industry in Canada and the US. He has trained and examined guides across multiple disciplines for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides where he previously served as the technical director.

Colin has contracted as an instructor, course leader, and recently as a curriculum developer for Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Industry Training Programs (Level 1-3). He has also provided consulting services for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education.

His guiding work has included ski touring, trekking, and climbing adventures with individuals and small groups to domestic and exotic locations (New Zealand, Morocco, Costa Blanca Spain, the Alps, the Dolomites, the Canadian Arctic, Iceland, and the Antarctic Peninsula).

Guest Links

Contact Colin: [email protected]

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Mentioned in this episode:

ISSW 2026

2026 International Snow Science Workshop: www.issw2026.com