Abstract

Skitourenguru (STG) supports backcountry skiers by automatically combining public av-alanche forecast information with terrain characteristics to provide route-level risk ratings. While online tools like this can help users plan backcountry trips, their effects on users’ decision-making, confidence, and avalanche safety practices have not been examined in detail. Using responses to an online survey conducted during the 2025/26 winter season, this study explores how STG users incorporate the plat-form into their trip planning process, how strongly they rely on its risk assessments, what benefits they perceive, and how its use influences interest in further avalanche safety education. Responses from 851 survey participants indicate that STG is primarily used to obtain first impressions of route suitability and identify lower-risk trip options. Median reported reliance on STG risk assessments was 67 with distinct peaks and varying with route familiarity and avalanche danger level. Consulting STG increased median trip-planning confidence from 67 to 82, but we observe distinct subpopulations. Participants valued faster trip planning and improved understanding of how avalanche forecasts apply to terrain. STG did not reduce interest in further avalanche safety education. This study contributes to a growing body of research to better understand the effectiveness of avalanche risk communication tools and provide scientific evidence to guide future developments. Having a comprehensive perspective of the benefits and potential unintended negative impacts of a product is critical for understanding its overall effectiveness.

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