ORP works to keep students safe this winter

The Utah State University Outdoors Recreation Program educated students on how to be safe while participating in outdoor winter sports at their snow safety clinic on Wednesday.

“The clinic is focused on the risk and hazards that are found on the back country in the winter associated with avalanches,” said Brian Shirley, program coordinator for the ORP. “We discussed ways you can make yourself aware of those hazards and how you can learn skill sets of how to get away from those hazards.”

Shirley said the clinic was necessary to USU students because of their interest in outdoor winter sports and Cache Valley’s topography.

“Many students are into skiing or snowmobiling. They should have some type of formal training,” Shirley said. “We do have a high avalanche terrain. Any students interested in those activities should find a way to be educated.”

Most cases of avalanche related deaths are due to ignorance, according to Shirley.

“I have seen poor decision making by users in the area,” Shirley said. “It’s almost always related to poor information and poor prior knowledge.”

ORP marketing coordinator Cory Checketts said he hoped students in attendance would make smarter decisions this winter.

“I hope students got a better understanding of what to expect while in the back country,” Checketts said. 

The ORP bases all they do around student needs, according to Checketts.

“The ORP’s top priority is student safety,” Checketts said. “We are here to get students involved and inform them and educate them.”

Shirley said the training provided important knowledge, but students should keep learning about avalanche conditions if they plan to participate in outdoor winter activities.

“I’m hoping students gained a broader respect and understanding for the hazards that exist,” Shirley said. “I hope for them to seek out more in-depth training.”