Avalanche science stripped down to the basics -- the things you absolutely, positively must know before heading into the winter backcountry Easy-to-understand safety tips and checklists to help anyone stay safer in avalanche terrain Small, take-along resource to reference in the field and assist decision making Companion to Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, the bestselling avalanche text in the U.S. Winter athletes don't necessarily want to be snow scientists, but playing in avalanche country does require basic knowledge of the risks in order to stay safe. This new guide by renowned avalanche expert Bruce Tremper is simple, accessible, and offers just the basics -- an Everyman's guide to avalanche safety that won't overtax your average ski bums, but will keep them safe when they're going for 12 consecutive months of powder. Avalanche Essentials is for everyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of avalanche awareness, focusing on systems and checklists, step-by-step procedures, decision-making aids, visual terrain and weather cues, rescue techniques, gear, and more.