Small groups (up to six people) are safer. Communication with other winter sports enthusiasts and mutual consideration prevent dangerous situations. Stay with your group. Inform someone you trust of your destination, route and return time (including Ski Patrol or Parks Intentions forms). Important note for solo skiers/snowboarders: minor incidents can turn into major emergencies. The ideal group size for ski touring is around 4 people, for guided tours the head count 8+1 has been established as a recommendation for the maximum group size. In far bigger groups, chaos and frustration looms large due to difficult communication, lacking control and compounding delays.