Backcountry Snowmobilers’ Avalanche-Related Information-Seeking and Preparedness Behaviors

Backcountry recreationists in Canada are exposed to avalanche risks. Snowmobilers now make up a large proportion of backcountry recreationalists. This article presents results of a qualitative study of backcountry snowmobilers in western Canada. The Theory of Planned Behavior guided our examination of snowmobilers’ avalanche related information seeking and use of recommended preparedness equipment. Participating snowmobilers sought information from a variety of information sources before and during a snowmobiling trip, and some participants had taken a safety training course. Information seeking before and during snowmobiling trips was influenced by attitudes toward information sources, and taking a safety course was influenced by motivations to perform the behavior, attitudes toward the courses, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms from snowmobiling club members. All participants reported carrying recommended safety equipment (transceiver, probe, and metal shovel) at all times when snowmobiling in the backcountry. Carrying the recommended preparedness tools was influenced by participants’ attitudes toward the tools and subjective norms.