While reading a book is no substitute for avalanche courses with certified professionals, the foundation of knowledge about the science of snow provided in Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain is invaluable. Tremper’s excellent guide about how and why snow moves provides a strong foundation for backcountry adventurers that often find themselves in avalanche terrain. However, the book is no substitute for field experience, courses with professionals, practice, and continued studies. The ultimate rule of avalanche terrain is that if you have to use rescue devices, you have already failed regardless of the search and rescue out come. Knowing how to assess conditions and the human element is the best method of preventing avalanche accidents short of avoiding the terrain completely.