It’s one of the most dangerous avalanche seasons in decades.

Three people have been killed in two separate slides, prompting researchers to look into who is most likely to get stuck in an avalanche.

According to a University of Calgary study, men between the ages of 25 and 30, who
are confident and athletic are the most at risk.

Albi Sole, the head of outdoor centre at the U of C says people with training are also most likely to take to the slopes under extreme avalanche risks.

“Before they have the training, they really feel very intimidated about exposing themselves, knowing they know nothing. Once they have some training, they expose themselves more and they end up taking greater risks.”

The three Calgary men who died in avalanches last week, were older than the mark, but were known as avid outdoorsmen.

Avalanche conditions continue to be rated as high to extreme in many parts of B.C. and Alberta and officials are warning people to stay away from the back country.