In the past few years, thousands more skiers and snowboarders have ventured into the backcountry to explore the fresh powder that awaits beyond the groomed and crowded resort slopes. The ski manufacturing industry has risen to the challenge, offering more and more gear created specifically for the rugged terrain.
But while backcountry skiing and snowboarding is more popular than ever, and adventurers can buy equipment to make it easier, the risks remain the same. If you are ready to venture out into the unknown, here are some tips to remember so that you are less likely to become injured or killed.
Know the Terminology
“Backcountry” refers to wild terrain that is not under the auspices of resort experts. Of late, many have started to refer to ski areas just outside a resort’s boundaries as “sidecountry.” Experts say that considering all wild terrain as backcountry helps skiers remember that they need to take special precautions and stay alert at all times.
Some resorts now offer one-way lift tickets so that skiers can avoid a long up-hill trek in order to reach their desired skiing destination. Once at the top of the lift, they can hike outside the resort boundaries. This area has frequently come to be termed as “sidecountry” or “slackcountry.”
Get the Gear
Now that manufacturers are meeting the demand for backcountry ski and snowboard gear, it would be silly not to take advantage of it. Not only is this gear made with cross-terrain travel in mind, it’s more comfortable and works better than any gear backcountry skiers could access in the past. You’ll need both expert advice and some experience to find out which types of touring, freeride, and/or alpine gear works best for your needs. This is intense stuff, as you can’t head back to the lodge when things go wrong. Read up on what experts recommend, and start building your investment in gear and equipment as you discover which types of backcountry skiing or snowboarding you prefer.
To start, consider the following pieces of equipment:
- Climbing Skins
- Boots in alpine or alpine touring styles
- Bindings for alpine or alpine touring skis or splitboards
- Backcountry skis
- Splitboards
- Avalanche beacon
- Avalanche probe
- Shovel
Once you have the gear, get familiar with it close to home before heading out into the wilds.
Learn to Deal with the Risks
Knowing the risks of backcountry skiing and working to mitigate them as much as possible means that you are far less likely to be injured or killed. Resorts rely on experts to spot and defuse potentially harmful avalanches, but you have no such guarantees outside of the resort areas. Taking courses in avalanche safety is highly recommended. In addition, some manufacturers who are make and sell backcountry gear also offer advanced avalanche safety and rescue classes.
It is also wise to take courses in first aid and basic cold weather survival. You won’t be able to rely on anyone except for yourself and your companions, as emergency responders are far away.
Practice, Practice, Practice
If you are new to backcountry skiing and snowboarding, it’s best to learn from the experts before striking out on your own. Some resorts and many backcountry companies offer experienced guides who can teach you how to make wise decisions based on snow conditions, weather, and your personal abilities. Lift-accessed sidecountry can be a good place to start, and as you become more familiar with the rigors of crossing rough terrain and utilizing your gear to its fullest extent, you can move into more remote areas.
Inexperienced backcountry adventurers sometimes think of themselves as mavericks—able to handle any condition or situation. There is, however, wisdom in taking warning signs into consideration and following posted restrictions. When you have fully considered the risks and know what to do in the case of an emergency, you can begin feeling the complete freedom and liberation that the backcountry experience brings.