[potta_coffee]

Avalanche training and equipment is necessary. The skills aren't really that complex, there are a few rules to follow that will save your life. I can't prove it but I believe most of the avalanche deaths are people with zero training who don't take the situation seriously. You can learn all the necessary skills in a single afternoon.

[bradstewart]

You can learn the (basic) skills in an afternoon, but being able to use those skills calmly, quickly, and safely in an emergency situation is a whole 'nother ball game. That requires practice, practice, and more practice (at least for me).