January — Snow, Ice & Avalanche
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Theme of the Month — January
Snow, Ice & Avalanche
Peak avalanche and ice-incident season — check the forecast, drill with your beacon, and know your ice.
REC Safe Snow & Ice
Our R.E.C. Tenets, applied on snow and ice:
- R — Ready
beacon, probe, shovel — before you need them - E — Educated
take the Level 1 course - C — Cautious
read the forecast, respect the terrain
Top 10 Snow, Ice & Avalanche Safety Tips →
January Weekly Content Calendar
What to Bring
- Avalanche beacon
- Probe
- Shovel
- Ice picks, worn where you can reach them near ice
- Throw rope, if traveling near ice
- Helmet
- Non-cotton insulating layers
- Hand and toe warmers
- Satellite communicator
- First aid kit with cold-injury supplies
Related Terrain
Related Activities
- Skiing & Snowboarding (November) — same terrain, same risks
- How to use a compass — visibility drops fast in a whiteout
Test Your Knowledge
What minimum ice thickness is recommended before walking out onto it?
4 inches for foot travel — 8–12 inches for a car.
What type of avalanche course is described as the single biggest safety upgrade a backcountry traveler can buy?
A Level 1 course (AIARE or equivalent).
Why should you avoid wearing cotton in cold, wet conditions?
Wet cotton pulls heat out of you fast — it doesn't insulate once damp.
Which other month on the calendar shares January's Alpine/Snow terrain and risks?
November — Skiing & Snowboarding.
What's the suggested alternate activity for someone who isn't into snow, ice & avalanche safety this month?
Snowshoeing.
Alternate Activity
Not into snow, ice & avalanche? Try Snowshoeing instead — same season, none of the backcountry/avalanche exposure, and groomed trails are forgiving for beginners.