Project Zero: Beacon, Shovel And Probe Are Not Enough

Project Zero is an industry-wide backcountry safety coalition. With involvement from an assortment of interested parties, ranging from professional athletes and avalanche forecasters to brands and non-profits, Project Zero is gathering momentum. Their admirable yet lofty goal? To “reduce avalanche fatalities to zero.”

As backcountry becomes more accessible and more folks chase powder beyond the ropes, Active Junky couldn’t agree more with the mission of Project Zero. We interviewed Rachel Reich, Project Zero Project Manager, to gain a bit more insight, knowing that backcountry safety goes beyond owning a beacon, shovel and probe.

Active Junky: How much of Project Zero's effort is on providing more information versus enabling better judgment?

Rachel Reich: I would say it's a combination of both. We want to increase education and give resources to consumers who are interested in getting into the backcountry/or are already out there. At the same time, from the athlete and brand perspective, we've seen a push to offer better training that enables better judgment. Although the focus of “Backcountry Starts Here” campaign is the younger, less experienced backcountry skier or rider, our athletes heavily influence the message as well. So essentially, it has to be a balance of both.

AJ: What would you say to the group member who has concerns (about snow stability, equipment, weather, team skills, etc.) but doesn't want to be seen as a stoke-killer?

RR: Have the courage to start the discussion. You aren't a stoke-killer for voicing observations about the dynamic or conditions and there are many non-confrontational ways to do this. First and foremost, you want to think about the partners you are traveling in backcountry terrain with and whether or not they'd be open to discussing conditions or bailing on an objective. If the answer is no, or you wouldn't feel comfortable speaking up in your group, it might be time to reassess your choice in partners.

AJ: If you could have one thought go through the mind of every BC skier or rider entering off-piste terrain, what would it be?

RR: I believe Chris Davenport said it best at SIA last week - "have humility in the mountains." Go out with the intent to put one foot in front of the other, enjoy being outside and be ok with what you find, even if it means turning around that day. Make it your priority to come home alive, every time.

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