Are you eager to experience the backcountry in winter or shift from resort skiing and boarding to the backcountry. With unlimited potential for ski descents, backcountry skiing and boarding can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, but it’s essential to approach it with proper preparation and safety precautions. Here are some steps to help get you started.
Gain Skiing Experience: Before venturing into the backcountry, you should have some experience as a downhill skier or snowboarder. It’s crucial to have at least intermediate skiing or snowboarding skills (comfortable on blue runs), as backcountry terrain can be challenging as you navigate through ungroomed terrain.
Fitness: Backcountry skiing can be physically demanding, so maintain good fitness. Cardiovascular endurance and leg strength are crucial.
Join a Course: Sign up for a backcountry ski course or at minimum join an experienced group. This can significantly enhance your learning experience and skill set in the backcountry. In our Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Boarding course, you will learn:
- Uphill techniques: Backcountry skiing involves both uphill and downhill travel. Learn and practice techniques for climbing with skins, such as track setting and kick turns.
- How to plan a backcountry day/trip. Research and plan your backcountry trips carefully. Study topographical maps, weather forecasts, and avalanche conditions. Always inform someone about your plans, including your expected return time.
- Basic avalanche safety skills.
- Gear for backcountry skiing and splitboarding.
Take an Avalanche Skills Courses: Avalanche safety knowledge is vital in the backcountry. Enroll in a course like the Avalanche Skills Training 1 and 2 (AST 1, AST 2). These courses will teach you how to assess avalanche terrain and risk, use safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel), and make informed decisions in the backcountry. Regularly practice using your avalanche transceiver in a controlled setting and conduct rescue scenarios with your partners. We offer many Avalanche Skills Training courses from mid November through April each year.
Learn Navigation Skills: Backcountry skiers should be proficient in map and compass navigation. GPS devices and courses can also be helpful. We offer courses in both subjects here at Yamnuska. GAIA GPS, Google Earth and FATMAP are all good resources to assist with your digital trip planning. Research and plan your backcountry routes. Start with easy terrain and gradually progress to more challenging options as you gain experience. Use guidebooks, maps, and online resources to find suitable routes.
Get the Right Gear: Invest in the right gear. Backcountry skiing and boarding requires specialized equipment.
- Ski Equipment: Invest in backcountry-specific gear, which typically includes lightweight skis or a splitboard designed for both uphill and downhill travel, boots, bindings (tech or alpine touring), and climbing skins for uphill travel. Our partners at K2 Skis and Dynafit offer a wide selection of gear for every type of rider.
- Avalanche Safety Gear: Purchase essential avalanche safety equipment, such as an avalanche transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel. Our partners at Backcountry Access offer rescue gear, airbags and backpacks as well as online turorials.
- Safety Gear: Don’t forget to carry essential safety gear, including a first aid kit, communication devices (e.g., InReach, Zoleo or satellite phones), shelter, a headlamp, and a repair kit. Take a wilderness first aid course to ensure you know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Clothing: Dress in non-cotton layers to stay warm and dry, and wear appropriate outerwear designed for the backcountry. Patagonia Outdoor Clothing and Gear offer jackets, pants, baselayers, and more.
Start with Easy Terrain: When you’re just starting out, choose backcountry routes that are less challenging and have a lower avalanche risk. Gradually progress to more difficult terrain as your skills, knowledge, and experience grow.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with avalanche forecasts, weather, and conditions for your chosen backcountry area. Avalanche Canada provides daily reports and forecasts for different regions as well as online tutorials to help get you started.
Practice Environmental Responsibility: Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. Backcountry skiing areas are often pristine wilderness, so make sure to minimize your impact. Always follow the “pack it in, pack it out” rule.
Mitigate Risk: Be prepared to turn back or change your plans if you are unsure about the conditions. Avalanche danger and weather can change rapidly, and it’s crucial to prioritize safety over summiting a peak or getting that fresh ‘pow’.
Remember that backcountry skiing comes with inherent risks and reducing that risk should always be your top priority. Continue to educate yourself, gain experience, and make conservative decisions as you progress in your backcountry skiing journey. As your skills and knowledge grow, you’ll be able to explore more challenging terrain with more confidence and enjoy the beauty of the backcountry.
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