Sierra Nevada Avalanche Claims Lives

It’s a stark reality: backcountry skiing in California is largely unregulated. When an avalanche strikes, it’s often a case of ‘skier beware’. But what about guides who lead clients into these treacherous territories? Don’t they have a responsibility to keep people safe?

Guides on the Hot Seat

Experts say guides have a duty to assess risks and make smart decisions. If they don’t, they can be held accountable. It’s not just about slapping a waiver on a client and sending them on their merry way. Guides need to be proactive, not reactive.

So, who’s to blame when tragedy strikes? It’s a tricky question, but one thing’s for sure: backcountry skiing won’t get any safer until someone takes responsibility.