Breaking Trail in the Backcountry: Mentorship on the Mountain

IntroductionThis study examines characteristics associated with willingness to mentor among backcountry users. Using survey responses from backcountry users, the study investigated their experiences and assessed differences among those willing to assume different mentorship roles.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional, comparative secondary data analysis of an online survey conducted in January-February 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah, through the Utah Avalanche Center.ResultsA total of 361 participants were included in the final analysis. Overall, 77.6% of respondents reported a willingness to mentor in some capacity, selecting "Strongly agree" or "Agree." A direct relationship was observed between willingness to mentor and backcountry education as well as backcountry experience and expertise, whereas no statistically significant association was identified between willingness to mentor and age, nor income within this backcountry user population. Interestingly, self-reported avalanche involvement was directly correlated with increased willingness to mentor. There was no meaningful difference between the majority of risk preferences or risk-taking behaviors and willingness to mentor within this population. Males were statistically more likely to be willing to mentor than females.ConclusionsUltimately, we found a direct relationship between mentorship and experience, expertise, and education. We found no relationship between risk, age, or income and willingness to mentor. This study serves as a novel investigation to inspire future work exploring social factors at play in avalanche decision making.