Tree entrapment: lessons to learn for winter backcountry skiers

WINTER SPORTS — A hoot of a day in deep pow can come to a suffocating end should you fall and become trapped upside down in a tree well.

This real-life accident and rescue is worth viewing and discussing.

It points out the obvious value of skiing in a group.

Two other points come to mind immediately

• Backcountry skiers should have their shovels accessible and ready to use NOW.
• And EVERYBODY should have a shovel ready to use NOW.