With the popularity of the new POV cameras such as the GoPro and Contour, and the use of video posting sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, we are now able to follow our favorite riders down the mountain with a click of the mouse. To get "the shot" thrill seekers are putting themselves in very challenging and dangerous situations. Extreme boarding and skiing has become increasingly dangerous because of these advancements in technology and in the past few years people are pushing themselves more and more to the extreme and unfortunately losing their lives. When kids see their favorite riders and idols huck themselves off a cliff or bomb through the trees they somehow feel invincible and feel they too can do this. They sometimes fail to recognize these riders are professionals with many years of experience often followed by a team of medics. 

When riding in the backcountry or gated areas always ride with a buddy and carry a shovel and beacon and be aware of the conditions. Now days many folks are flipping the bill for a avalanche airbag system. Companies such as ABS-Airbag are selling more and more products. Although the cost for the system is in the $1,000 range it can save your life and studies show it has many times. Just look to the recent avalanche in Washington state where 4 people lost their lives on February 19th. One of the survivors, Elyse Saugstad, credits her airbag to saving her life.

So remember, please be careful out there and ride under control. Respect the mountain and realize it can take you when it chooses to. Always stay in the designated boundary areas and never "cut the rope" into areas off limits. You may not only lose your pass if caught by ski patrol but you could quite possibly lose your life!

The following video segment titled "The Death Zone" aired on NBC on the series Rock Center with Brian Williams on February 22, 2012.