mountain safety advice from a mountain legend
When it comes to avalanche awareness, legendary big-mountain rider Jeremy Jones relies on simple, visual clues to assess risk in the backcountry. These “red flags” are real-time observations that often matter more than forecasts alone.
Jones highlights five key warning signs to watch for:
- New snow
- Recent avalanche activity
- Collapsing or cracking in the snowpack
- Rapid rises in temperature
- Strong winds, blowing or drifting snow
If you’re seeing one, or especially several of these indicators, it’s time to reassess your terrain choices.
You can dive deeper into these observation techniques on Jeremy Jones’s Backcountry Education Hub, a valuable resource for anyone venturing beyond the ropes.

For riders pushing into serious terrain, equipment matters too. The Jones Aviator 2.0, featuring a KOROYD core, delivers improved damping, precise control, and reduced weight – helping you ride more confidently when conditions demand focus.
Safety starts with awareness. Ride smart.




