The fundamental dilemma in adventure programming is eliminating unreasonable risks to participants without also reducing levels of excitement, challenge, and stress. Most accidents are caused by a combination of unsafe conditions, unsafe acts, and error judgments. The best and only way to minimize critical human error in adventure programs is through conscientious planning and action, including rigorous training, intense supervision, constant practice, and systematic maintenance of equipment. Many accidents are sequential in nature and are caused by some simple, overlooked mistake or perception made early on that increased the overall level of risk. A description is given of three phases of injury countermeasures that, even when accidents cannot be prevented, may reduce the frequency and severity of injuries caused by those accidents. Injury countermeasures are listed for ski mountaineering, white-water boating, rock climbing or mountaineering, and rope courses. A list is provided of ideas for improving safety in high adventure programs. (JD)