Swiss rider and Jones Snowboards athlete Mat Schaer recently posted a video to his Instagram where he’s seen getting caught out in a massive avalanche. He posted the video, with a detailed caption, highlighting the ever-present risks of riding backcountry and the lessons he learned form the day.

The video, taken on Jan 31st, 2020, came at the end of a period of sustained high pressure, followed by heavy snowfall, and some localised rain. Schaer mentions in the caption below, that the avalanche rating was 3/5 and this was the second run of the day on that same face.

“The video, taken on Jan 31st, 2020, came at the end of a period of sustained high pressure, followed by heavy snowfall, and some localised rain”

While Schaer says how he was “very lucky” to ride out unharmed from the slide, he also highlights the four key lessons learned, showing how even the most experienced backcountry experts are not immune from the dangers of riding in the mountains.

Many backcountry enthusiasts know how early season conditions can be among some of the most dangerous, and we’ve already seen various reports of high avalanches risks throughout the Northern hemisphere.

As we approach the end of Jones Avalanche Awareness Month, take time to educate yourself on a whole host of backcountry safety topics, from their website.

Thanks for sharing this with the snowboard community, Mat. Glad to see you ride away in one piece.