Backcountry Safety tip #1: First things First

Making the decision to head out in search of untracked snow is an exciting endeavor, which requires many physical and mental tools in order to be both fun and safe. The following is a brief introduction for those interested in proceeding off into the backcountry.

First off you will need the equipment to get you up and down the mountain. The following is a list of items I take every time I go out:
  • Skis and bindings (make sure you have climbing wires)
  • Boots
  • Climbing skins
  • Adjustable poles
  • Avalanche beacon
  • Shovel
  • Avalanche probe
  • First aid kit
    • gauze, band-aids, razor blades, aspirin, antiseptic, towlettes, sunscreen, hydrocodone, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, and hand warmers
  • Repair kit:
    • Safety pins, duct tape of course, thin cord, thin wire, and toilet paper
  • Goggles and sunglasses
  • Water and food
  • Warm layer of clothing
  • Gloves and hat
  • Backpack to put it all in

There are many varied choices in the gear you will acquire, determine the type of terrain and the type of skiing you want to be doing and make your choices to fit those needs. It’s a long list of pricy items, for the best deals check out local gear swaps, internet shops, eBay, and retail stores in spring when stuff goes on sale.

With your avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) rounded up, it’s time to learn how to use it and learn enough about snow and avalanches that you hopefully won’t have to.

A beginner avy course is a must and the minimum one should do as far as on hill training. The AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) has 3 levels of training with the level 1 class being a great start to your education. (www.aai.cc) many local shops or avalanche forecast centers also have good courses which may cost less, but may be less thorough.

There are also several great books that are a must in understanding the dynamics of the Avalanche; The ABC of Avalanche Safety, Snow Sense, The Avalanche Handbook, Avalanche Safety for Skiers and Climbers (www.avalanche.org/~lsafc/INFO/Books.) Don’t be afraid to make the purchase of one of these books it can be a good refresher at the beginning of each winter season.

The local forecast center is a super resource; you can call in or check their website daily and follow what is going on. I highly recommend making it a habit of getting the avy information every day and comparing it to your own observations.

Classes and books are a must, but experience is the best teacher. The key is to safely enter and explore the mountains with a partner who “knows what they are doing”; it can be a big obstacle to find someone to let you tag along. Ski related websites are a good way of finding a good partner in your area, also ask around shops and post on the bulletin boards.

In the backcountry you get the freedom of deciding where to go with each and every step, along with that thrill comes the fact that you are responsible for all your actions. Enjoy and remember it won’t always be good skiing, but it’s always good to be skiing.

Contributed by Noah Howell of The Powderwhores

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