AvyLab User Research Survey

What is your primary winter backcountry activity?

Alps region (France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany)

Rest of Europe (Scandinavia, Pyrenees, other)

I'm new to backcountry travel (1–2 seasons)

I've completed at least one avalanche safety course and go out regularly

I have 5+ seasons and am comfortable leading decisions in the field

Level 1 course — AIARE/CAA AST 1 (North America) or equivalent (Europe)

Level 2 / advanced course — AIARE/CAA AST 2 (North America) or equivalent (Europe)

Professional / guide certification — AMGA, ACMG, IFMGA/UIAGM

Unexpected or rapidly changing snowpack conditions

Group dynamics — social pressure, deference, or groupthink

Reading and interpreting the avalanche forecast / bulletin

Identifying avalanche problems in terrain

Snowpack assessment (field tests, pit interpretation)

Managing group dynamics and disagreements

Everyone still voices their own read independently

Their view tends to carry more weight, even if not everyone agrees

Most people defer to them without much discussion

It depends — sometimes good, sometimes it shuts down conversation

Educational apps or websites (AvySavvy, Ortovox Snow Lab, etc.)

Trip planning / terrain mapping apps or websites (WhiteRisk, Outmap etc.)

In-person refresher or additional courses

I don't know what to focus on or where to start

It's not a priority until I'm about to go out

Before the season starts — when I'm planning ahead