I enjoyed learning about some of the physical processes and the decision making around avalanche forecasting. It would have been good to have a glossary of terms somewhere in the book.

Also, I did not like the font chosen for the text and the images did not look good in my paper copy. I am guessing the photos would have been much more impressive with better processing.

A well-written, frank, and informative overview of the science behind Avalanches and how to avoid them. Touches on terrain management, snow-pack anatomy, mountain weather, climate, tools, techniques and training. Most crucial, though, is the chapter on the human factor that everybody should read, then read again, and then reread a few more times to keep their ego in check. No substitute for the years on the mountain and hard-learned lessons the author has obviously spent a lifetime collecting, but a good first-read for me in developing some respect, knowledge and humility before heading into the backcountry or as a refresher to keep your growing confidence in check over the years.

Can’t wait to slowly reread this over ski season

Packed with valuable information, as concise as possible for being so thorough, and with and engaging and approachable tone.

A *MUST* read for anyone that wants to go to the backcountry.

Good

Each chapter of this book goes into high detail of the subject and because of that I kept getting confused about what were the important lessons to learn. Yes, they are all important to know, but there comes a point for a beginner that the information becomes unusable because they don't have the basics understood first.

I found another book that taught avalanche safety in the order and detail that the Avalanche Awareness Institute teaches their AIARE 1, AIARE 2 and AIARE 3 classes. I found it more understandable.

The best book ever written about avalanches. Handy!

Read 3rd edition. Excellent knowledge and well written. If you like to play in the deep snow of the mountains, this is a must read.

Some books you can't judge by their covers. This one you can

This book reads as if Bruce is your AIARE instructor beside you on the slopes. This whole book serves as not just as a how to survive an avalanche but more importantly how to avoid being caught in one in the first place. Bruce has methodically written and rewritten this guide to layout first the building blocks of basic avalanche awareness before laying down the science and psychology of how, when and where they occur. His basic framework relies on summing hazard, exposure and vulnerability to risk. Each component of the equation requires a backcountry adventurist to weigh their options in front of them and sometimes inside their head. The science is aided through pictures and succinct detailed diagrams to help one decipher the difference between rounds and depth hoar, wet loose and dry avalanches and much more. Finally, Bruce’s hard nose tone keeps the reader focused on the stakes whenever someone enters the backcountry so as to limit your complacency and ignorance as best as one can. Overall this is a must read for novice backcountry athletes like myself and even up to a wily veteran looking for a refresher and more tips.

Respect the mountains, it's not as safe as it looks out there.