Know Before You Go (KBYG) is a free avalanche awareness program. Not much science, no warnings to stay out of the mountains, no formulas to memorize.

IYou will see the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen, learn about the safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) needed to recreate in avalanche terrain, and the basics on how to avoid them while having fun in the mountains.

 The KBYG program was created for everyone from middle students to curious adults and the subject is covered with the help of avalanche professionals, pro athletes, accident victims and rescuers, and their peers.

We encourage you to get some avalanche knowledge before heading out to have fun safely in the mountains of Colorado. 

Step 1 - watch the video at the top of this page
Step 2 - watch a recorded class specific to human powered or motorized access via the links below.

Know Before You Go to Work is a program that the Friends of CAIC and CAIC launched during the 2019/2020 season. Thousands of people work in and around avalanche terrain throughout the United States.

Many of those working in avalanche terrain do not have the proper training regarding how to stay safe and mitigate their risk. Since 1950, 73 have lost their lives in avalanches while at work. Every one of those deaths could have been prevented.

The goal of Know Before You Go to Work is to provide proper training to help keep those working in avalanche terrain safe. To request a Know Before You Go to Work course, please contact us at info@friendsofcaic.org