Short and sweet, this video leans on Backcountry Access ambassador AJ Appezzato to discuss the importance of mentorship and continued education in the backcountry. There’s a common misconception that completing your Level 1 avalanche safety course means you’re set for life with this training—but this is not the case. Staying safe while exploring out of bounds is a lifelong process, and finding mentors, whether those people are more experienced friends or professional guides, is imperative to your long-term safety and enjoyment of these places. Brining professional knowledge into a recreational scenario takes time, so even if you are AIARE 1 certified, consider taking the course again to refresh your knowledge.
![[GIVEAWAY] Win a Head-to-Toe Ski Setup from IFSA](https://www.datocms-assets.com/163516/1765920344-ifsa.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop)
![[GIVEAWAY] Win a Legendary Ski Trip with Icelantic's Road to the Rocks](https://www.datocms-assets.com/163516/1765233064-r2r26_freeskier_leaderboard1.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop)


![[GIVEAWAY] Win a Legendary Ski Trip with Icelantic's Road to the Rocks](https://www.datocms-assets.com/163516/1765233064-r2r26_freeskier_leaderboard1.jpg?auto=format&w=400&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces,entropy)




![[GIVEAWAY] Win a Head-to-Toe Ski Setup from IFSA](https://www.datocms-assets.com/163516/1765920344-ifsa.jpg?auto=format&w=400&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces,entropy)

