On Monday December 11, 2023, nearly 400 people gathered together at the Idaho Falls Colonial Theater for the 2nd Annual Avy Savvy event. The large and ornate theater was filled with snow-lovers from all walks of life and all recreational backgrounds, each here to gain a better understanding of the Idaho backcountry, responsible recreation, and how to (if the need arises) save their own lives and the lives of their adventure partners.
Our host of the evening, Davin Napier from Idaho Mountain Trading kicked us off with a fantastic introduction of the show. (see live video below for snippet) The video carries on into Sarah Carpenter's presentation. Sarah Carpenter, of the American Avalanche Institute, shared her incredible expertise in the backcountry. Thanks Sarah and Davin!
Apologies for the amazing cell phone video coverage 😉
This year's Avy Savvy was the second year that Idaho Parks and Recreation helped put things together, but the Avalanche Awareness events have been ongoing for more than a decade thanks to husband and wife duo, Lani and Wray Landon. They lost their son, Wray Landon IV, to an avalanche in 2010. Despite the heaviness of loss and the pain of grief, Lani and Wray continue to honor their son's memory by hosting awareness events like these and by starting the Wray Landon Legacy Fund, which has raised more than $100,000 for land conservation and maintenance projects.
The night continued with a presentation by Ethan Davis (Sawtooth Avalanche Center)Â who has done incredible work putting together data about fatalities in the eastern Idaho backcountry. Not an easy subject to study, we commend Ethan for his hard work bringing together both stories and data into this Avalanche Awareness night.
Below is another "high-quality" 😉 video snippet of Ethan's presentation. To learn more about his project and the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, visit the website here.
There was also a showing of the heart-melting and eye-opening film To The Hills & Back (trailer here). "At a remote backcountry cabin, a veteran mountain guide and his daughter connect and reflect upon a lifetime in the mountains. A torch is being passed within their family’s legacy of guides and they discuss the history of those that have come and gone, some too soon. Stories unfold, from the early pioneers to modern day hard charging enthusiasts, and we hear from several characters including those with life-shattering events."
"Our event in Idaho Falls that had nearly 400 people attend, clearly displayed the number of hungry individuals wanting to go play in our amazing backcountry. However, I had an overwhelming number of people share with me after the event that they had no idea there was so much gear, such as Beacons, Shovels, Probes and education classes that they should have or be aware of before playing in the snow. It was truly amazing seeing both user groups of motorized and non-motorized travelers come together to get the exact information to further their education and avalanches really are everywhere. The staggering statistics of how many motorized avalanche fatalities occur in our area certainly inspired a couple families, that I personally know, to sign up for AAIRE Level 1 trainings immediately. We were able to raffle off roughly 7K of prizes and they were all aimed at keeping people safe in the backcountry. As long as one more person is aware of the dangers of the backcountry and takes the next step to get the gear, win the gear or get further educated, I believe the event was a success. Idaho Mountain Trading has always been honored to be part of the event and look forward to many more!" - Davin Napier
Films like these, presentations by professionals in the field and outdoor-enthusiasts, showcase just how important it is to be prepared when recreating in Idaho's backcountry--or anywhere! ALWAYS bring a Beacon, Shovel, and Probe when recreating in avalanche territory.
"As soon as you leave the parking lot, you're in avalanche terrain," shared Rich Gummersall, Idaho Parks and Rec Education Training Coordinator.
Professional snowmobiler, Bret Rasmussen graced the stage with stories of his life-long experience in avalanche country, from Russia to Idaho and all over the globe. His professional perspective helped bring the conversation full circle--whether you are competing, filming, or just having fun, you have to be prepared.
There was so much more at Avy Savvy 2023 including a showing of more great videos, presentations, and information. And of course, raffling off more than $5,000 dollars in avalanche safety and outdoor gear.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors for their dedication and contribution to safe, responsible recreation. You make events like these possible!
(see poster below for a list of sponsors)
And of course, thank you to all of the wonderful people who dedicated their time to putting this event together. Brian DiLenge, Mike Taylor, Rich Gummersall, Donna Nims, Dave Zinn, Ethan Davis, Sarah Carpenter, Lani and Wray Landon, Frank Carus, Scott Savage, Bret Rasmussen, Doug Chabot, Hannah Marshall, Chelsea Chambers, Mark Staples, and so many more! Thank you thank you!
"I think it is just very important for back country users of all types to think about their decisions and the implications of those decisions. I hope this event enlightens them enough to think about that and to get educated, even at the awareness level to understand the winter back country environment." - Brian DiLenge
The Takeaways
Whether you are a motorized or non-motorized user, backcountry preparedness and avalanche safety is VITAL. Know your snow and know before you go!
- Always be prepared! Bring with your Beacon, Shovel, and Probe EVERY SINGLE TIME. And make sure it's on, charged, and that you know how to use it.
- Take classes and take classes often. Refresh yourself. Educate yourself. Tell a friend. Practice using your beacons. Idaho Parks and Recreation offers FREE courses all season long all across the state. Visit RecEd.Idaho.Gov for more information.
- Check the conditions BEFORE you go. Know your trails. Consult avalanche centers like Sawtooth, Payette, and American Avalanche Institute.
Careful route-finding skills and understanding layering in the snowpack are essential for back country travel. Avalanche awareness is the first step in building the knowledge to improve those skills. You don’t know what you don’t know until it is too late. Travel in Idaho’s back country takes knowledge and skills to do it safely. Avalanche awareness is the first step in building that knowledge base. - Rich Gummersall
- Know your snow. Understand how snow, ice, and rain work together. Know what avalanche conditions look like. Is it the perfect storm or the perfect day to shred? Knowledge is key.
- Tell people where you are going. Don't wander into the backcountry without a travel plan, and make sure someone at home knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Travel with friends. Avoid going into the backcountry alone. You should always have a reliable riding/recreating partner or group. Make sure they know how to use safety and rescue equipment. Test beacons and equipment before you go.
- Have fun! We love the backcountry for it's remote beauty but never underestimate the power of nature. Educate yourself, educate your friends, have fun, and STAY SAFE!