"The Know Before You Go (KBYG) program is a global avalanche awareness program designed to be the first step in everyone’s avalanche education journey. The program began right here in Utah after three teenagers unfortunately lost their lives in an avalanche on December 16, 2003. With a basic level of avalanche knowledge, these teenagers would have been able to take steps to recognize the danger and avoid avalanche terrain. Anyone venturing into snow-covered mountains needs to understand the dangers of avalanches. Understanding what avalanches are, how they form, where they occur, and how to avoid them can save you and your partner’s life. The KBYG program introduces students to avalanche safety with four simple steps they can take to stay safe in avalanche terrain and return home safely.

The KBYG website is a free resource for anybody interested in exiting a ski resort gate or stepping into the backcountry, complete with an extensive online learning platform, links to find regional avalanche forecasts, resources to learn more and continue students’ avalanche education journey, and more. Additionally, the KBYG program released a feature-length film with Sherpas Cinema to promote avalanche awareness and education. The film has won numerous accolades at film festivals around the world. In addition to online resources, the Utah Avalanche Center hosts more than 100 in-person KBYG presentations across Utah each season. These in-person presentations are free to host and last roughly 60 minutes including time for questions. If you’re interested in hosting a KBYG presentation for your students, please contact mckinley@utahavalanchecenter.org. For more KBYG program resources, please view this folder.

“I love this presentation (KBYG) and knowing that our students have some basic knowledge of avalanche awareness that may save their life or a friend's life one day! Truly appreciate the time and effort put into this program!” - Robyn Bretzing, P.E. teacher at Timpanogos High School"

 

Know Before You Go Google Drive for more resources