Perceived safety among off-piste & backcountry skiers

Abstract

Survival in avalanche terrain is about being in the right place at the right time, i.e. taking the right decisions regarding avalanche danger. Psychological research has shown that emotions like fear and safety (absence of fear) influence our decisions. Perceived safety might therefore be an important part of the human factor in avalanche accidents. Few studies have examined perceived safety from a skier`s perspective. The aim of this study was to develop a scale for assessing perceived safety among off-piste and backcountry skiers. Based on focus group interviews with skiers, a survey was developed and distributed thru the internet to Norwegian skiers. Factor analysis of the results yielde the factors Perceived Exposure, Collective Safety, Safe Objects, Knowledge & Skills and Experience, all with satisfactory psychometric properties. Findings are discussed in the light of knowledge gained from the focus groups and from a literature review.