A recent snowfall in the Kananaskis area, dumping 40+ cm of snow into the mountain valleys has made an already precarious time of year even more so.  I usually avoid the backcountry and snowy mountains this time of year until the snow has settled.  Although, when heading out in the winter, I usually check out the avalanche report before I go.  Very informative.  Just recently though, I came across a free online course put on by Avalanche.ca.  I was impressed at the quality of the course and its straight forward approach to the topic.  I’d recommend to anyone to take the online version  (well as the practical courses) to get a handle on safety for venturing in the Rockies backcountry.  I commend the organizers for making a course so readily available…and free no less.