The Avalanche Factor

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Sorry that this book is more popular than I imagined :) . I’m now working on revisions for a big printing that will be delivered in June. Pre-order now at the store.

The Avalanche Factor is a 304-page handbook for recreational skiers and climbers who want to get into backcountry avalanche terrain. It contains the knowledge to both understand and avoid avalanches. IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock has distilled decades of skiing, climbing, guiding and teaching avalanche courses into a step-by-step system that will lower your risk from avalanches while improving trip success. It combines modern knowledge from scientists and practitioners with Joe's unique method for avoiding avalanches, such as the Avalanche Avoidance System, margins for safety, tips for climbers and mountaineers, and how to make good decisions. Over half of the book is color photos and diagrams to explain the topics and stoke your learning.

 

A Fresh Perspective on Avalanches

  • Distilled from Joe’s decades of skiing, climbing, guiding, and teaching

  • Modern knowledge from scientists and practitioners

  • A step-by-step avalanche avoidance system

  • Decision making beyond the human factor

  • Tips for climbers and mountaineers

  • 309 color photos

  • 45 graphics

  • 304 pages

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Reviews

“The Avalanche Factor is the most accessible avalanche resource on the market.”
— Luc Mehl, thingstolucat.com
“The Avalanche Factor serves two seemingly disparate functions regarding books: textbook-dense (in a good way) and readable. It is a must read and a good read.”
— Jason Albert, the-high-route.com
“I got the book! Wow, what an accomplishment. I bet that took years to compile. The photos are super awesome and instructive and I like how it is laid out. Nicely done!”
— Doug Chabot, director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
“The new book is awesome! I wish I would have had if for Pro 1 pre-course reading last season! ...it would have definitely saved me from fumbling my way through.”
— Charlie Renfro, lifetime Alaska skier and photographer
“You are the perfect example of a Professional Mountain Guide is every way: Your background in formal snow/avalanche education; along with many years of AMGA and IFMGA guiding experience in the snowy mountains of the world/ your positive attitude/ your humor /your love of people and your passion to educate folks! It all spills out for the reader of this book.”
— Denny Hogan, lifetime avalanche professional
“Just finished my first read thru, nice job Joe!”
— Jake Hutchinson, lifelong avalanche professional
“This wonderful book covers everything from snow conditions to pit tests to waterfall ice climbing. It’s a treasure trove of information. But the most amazing part of this book, I thought, is the visuals. I’ve never seen any kind of how-to guide so liberally pimped out with both fantastic photos and diagrams. The photos are so striking they’re worth the price of admission alone.”
— Cam Burns, powder.com