"If you're seriously considering venturing off into avalanche territory, you have to take classes in a real safety course first. One thing you can't do is travel by yourself. Once caught and carried by an avalanche, it becomes very difficult to escape since when the snow stops moving it becomes as compact and hard as concrete. If this happens, you must rely on your friends to save you. Everyone should bring with them and practice using three essential materials: a transceiver for locating a victim, a probe to extend in the snow and find the victim's exact location, and a shovel since digging with hands is far too slow and difficult."