The word ‘avalanche’ derives from the French word ‘avalance’, meaning descent. As back country skiing becomes the fastest growing sector of the ski industry, with record numbers of people in the back country, it’s time to talk avalanche facts. Here are five facts you need to know about them:

1. 90% of avalanche victims caused the avalanche themselves
2. Ski resorts across the world purposely set off avalanches using dynamite, to ensure that skiers don’t set them off themselves and cause accidents.
3. 93% of victims will survive if they are dug out within 15 minutes
4. The human body is three times denser than avalanche debris and will sink more quickly.
5. ¼ of avalanche victims die from trauma of hitting trees, rocks and other debris while being pushed around by the snow.