Avalanches represent one of the main hazards in the Alpine environment. To better understand and manage this issue, the thesis analyzes and compares avalanche the avalanche hazard management systems in Slovenia and selected neighbouring regions of Austria (Carinthia, Styria) and Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia). A mixed-methods research approach was used, combining a comparative analysis of the organization of avalanche services and bulletins with a quantitative survey of a sample of 262 users of the ARSO avalanche bulletin.
The results show that the Slovenian hazard management system behind its neighbours, primarily due to the less frequent publication of the bulletin and the absence of a permanent avalanche service. However, user awareness is surprisingly high, as they actively follow and understand the avalanche bulletin. The findings indicate that the key challenge is not low awareness among mountain visitors but systemic deficiencies. Therefore, the thesis proposes improvements modelled on good practices from abroad, such as establishing a permanent avalanche service and creating a network of field observers.
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