Puerto Rican Expert Chago Teaches Avalanche Rescue in Andorra

Santiago Rodríguez, known as "Chago," a Puerto Rican avalanche rescue expert based in Ohio, delivered a packed session on avalanche rescue techniques at the Fontetes auditorium in Andorra on Thursday afternoon. The event, open to the public, formed part of his role as lead trainer in a joint initiative by AR+I, EFPEM, and the firefighters' mountain rescue group.

A specialist in snowpack analysis and off-piste skiing in powder snow, Rodríguez—who spent the 2012 and 2013 winters in Andorra—stressed that aspiring backcountry skiers must first master rescue skills. His core advice: "Practice, practice, and practice more," ideally in realistic scenarios mimicking real avalanche conditions.

Drawing on US data, he highlighted the urgency of rescues, noting that survival chances drop sharply after five minutes of burial. Smaller avalanches, classified below D3 size in American scales, cause 80% of fatalities, he said. Participants must carry up-to-date gear like transceivers (DVA), assess avalanche paths on-site—including width, runout, slope angle, and deposit volume—and train for burials up to 1.5 meters deep on steep terrain.

Rodríguez linked rising avalanche risks to growing interest in off-piste skiing among younger generations, comparing it to increased driving exposure raising accident odds. This winter, the Pyrenees have seen seven serious avalanche incidents with 10 deaths, including two accidents and one fatality in Andorra. Most victims lacked proper equipment or training.

Addressing audience concerns about seeking out risky slopes, the guide clarified that preparation prevents danger: good tools enable smart planning to identify safe entry days into the mountains. "Statistics stop being opinion," he noted, while cautioning that his US-based recommendations are not exhaustive or universal, as nature remains unpredictable.

Those completing five realistic rescue drills this season can join Rodríguez for a ski outing on Saturday; others should stay home. The session, laced with humor, sparked lively debate and underscored his message: learn to rescue before chasing powder.