The content provided on this page is intended solely for informational purposes and is offered as a set of general suggestions for those interested in backcountry activities. Backcountry Beauties Ltd Coop provides these recommendations to assist individuals in enhancing their knowledge and skills in backcountry environments. However, this content does not constitute professional advice or formal training, and should not be used as the sole basis for making decisions related to backcountry travel or safety.

So you want to get started in the Backcountry?

Develop your skills to independently manage risks and contribute positively to group safety

The risks are high every time we enter the backcountry

Anything can happen when we make the choice to go off-piste and out of bounds. Some of the dangers we may encounter include avalanches, injuries, and unexpected nights in the cold. Beyond these hazards lie many other possible problems.

Avalanches

Avalanches are one of the most significant dangers in the backcountry, particularly in snowy, mountainous terrains. They can be triggered naturally or by human activity, and the risk increases with certain snow conditions and terrain features. Understanding the snowpack, weather conditions, avalanche forecasts, and making your own judgements about the snow is crucial for anyone venturing into areas where avalanches are a possibility.

Injury & Illness

The remote nature of backcountry areas means that help is often far away. Common risks include injuries from falls, such as fractures or sprains, as well as illnesses related to altitude, dehydration, or exposure. Carrying a first aid kit and knowing basic first aid and emergency response techniques are essential for addressing these risks effectively. You can increase your emergency preparedness with a Wilderness First Aid or First Responder course. (WFA & WFR)

Weather Changes

Backcountry environments are often subject to rapid and unpredictable weather changes that can pose serious risks. This includes sudden temperature drops, storms, heavy snowfall, or high winds, all of which can turn a routine trip into a dangerous ordeal. Being prepared with the right gear and having the ability to navigate and make quick decisions in changing conditions is vital.

take your first steps

Preparedness is Key

Education

We are always learning more about how to identify, understand, and minimize exposure to risk.

Experience

Often times, the only way we can expose ourselves to true backcountry snow conditions is to enter the backcountry.

Laying a solid foundation

In backcountry adventures, a solid foundation is crucial—not just for managing your own risks, but also for minimizing the impact on your group. Being underprepared not only heightens your own vulnerability but also amplifies risks for everyone with you. Rescuing or assisting inadequately prepared individuals can divert the group’s focus and escalate the challenges for all involved.

1 Get Started

Begin by honing your skiing skills within resort boundaries. Ensure you are comfortable and confident on black and double black runs as these skills translate directly to handling varied backcountry terrain.

Transitioning from groomed runs to the unpredictable backcountry requires strong skiing fundamentals. Focus on improving your control and speed management on challenging terrains. This preparation will enable you to navigate safely and effectively when you step beyond the resort boundaries.

2 Gear Preparation

Invest in essential backcountry gear including skis or splitboard, skins, boots, and poles, backcountry pack, avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, and helmet.

Along with your primary gear, consider additional safety items such as a radio, emergency satellite communicator, and a comprehensive first aid kit. Familiarize yourself with each piece of equipment in a controlled setting to ensure you are fully prepared for backcountry emergencies.

3 Inbounds Practice

Start uphilling at a resort that allows it. This is a safe way to practice ascending with your skins on and get used to the physical demands without straying far from managed areas.

Use inbounds uphilling to focus on your stamina and technique for skinning uphill, which is much more physically demanding than downhill skiing. Pay attention to how to efficiently manage your energy and layer your clothing to handle the exertion and variable temperatures you'll face outside the resort.

4 Start Learning More

Consider enrolling in a basic avalanche safety course. Knowledge about snow science and avalanche safety can save your life.

Beyond basic avalanche courses, consider advanced studies in snowpack analysis, weather pattern tracking, and rescue operations. Use the community to gain insights from experienced backcountry enthusiasts and continue your education through practical, hands-on experiences.

After laying a solid foundation...

Begin your backcountry experiences in non-avalanche prone areas to get a feel for skiing in variable snow conditions without the added risk of avalanches.

Consider more education

The more we know, the better prepared we can be for when the inevitable problems arise. Being able to successfully navigate issues is vital to backcountry risk mitigation.

Before entering avalanche terrain, it is vital to understand how to use the rescue equipment required. Learn and practice using your beacon to find signals, the probe to find where someone may be buried, and the proper shoveling techniques to reach someone before they perish.

Statistics show that individuals buried over 10 minutes typically do not survive.

Examine the need for more

Why do you want to push the envelope?

What are you seeking?

Are you looking for greater challenges or is it the allure of untouched landscapes? Are you aiming to enhance your mountaineering skills, or are you drawn by the solitude and beauty of the backcountry? Understanding your motivations can help you align your goals with the appropriate environments.

Are you Prepared?

Assess the level of your avalanche education and practical skills. Have you mastered the necessary techniques to navigate and survive avalanche terrain? Consider your physical fitness and mental resilience. Are you prepared to handle strenuous climbs and potentially stressful emergency situations?

Self-Evaluation

Do you have strong skiing abilities, and can you manage your equipment effectively in complex terrain? How confident are you in making quick decisions under pressure? Reflect on your experiences in controlled environments versus unpredictable settings. Do you have enough experience to interpret and react to the dynamic conditions of avalanche terrain?

Get Feedback

Discuss your readiness with more experienced backcountry skiers or your course instructors. Their insights can provide an outside perspective on your skills and readiness. Backcountry skiing is an ongoing learning process. Even if you decide you’re not ready now, what steps can you take to prepare yourself for future adventures in avalanche terrain?

Continued Education

The more we know, the better prepared we are

Avy 1

Avalanche Level 1 provides foundational knowledge essential for anyone venturing into backcountry snow terrains. This course covers the basics of avalanche terrain recognition, snowpack analysis, weather impact assessment, and effective use of avalanche rescue equipment. Ideal for beginners, it emphasizes practical skills for safe travel in avalanche-prone areas.

Avy 2

Avalanche Level 2 builds on the skills developed in Avy 1, offering a deeper dive into snow science, avalanche forecasting, and decision-making strategies in complex terrain. This course is suited for those with some backcountry experience, aiming to refine their judgment and enhance their ability to identify and mitigate avalanche risks.

Avy Rescue

The Avalanche Rescue Course focuses on advanced rescue techniques, including efficient and effective use of transceivers, probes, and shovels. Participants learn about organized rescue operations and improve their response capabilities in avalanche scenarios. This course is critical for anyone who regularly travels in avalanche terrain, enhancing their preparedness for emergency situations.

Avy Pro Courses

Avalanche Pro Courses offer in-depth training in avalanche safety management that is invaluable for anyone committed to mastering backcountry safety. These courses cover advanced topics such as detailed snowpack analysis, weather forecasting, and managing group safety in complex terrain. While ideal for professionals, they are equally beneficial for any dedicated backcountry enthusiast who aims to significantly enhance their understanding and skills, ensuring safer adventures regardless of professional aspirations.

WFA

Wilderness First Aid is an introductory course ideal for those looking to learn basic emergency medical skills for remote settings. Covering essential first aid practices, response strategies, and emergency planning, WFA is perfect for weekend hikers, casual backcountry users, and anyone who wants to ensure safety while enjoying the outdoors.

WFR

Wilderness First Responder is the standard medical training for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts. This course provides extensive training in handling medical emergencies in remote settings. Topics include patient assessment, trauma care, and long-term care strategies, equipping participants with skills to respond effectively to emergencies where conventional medical help is delayed.

Begin your journey into avalanche terrain

Once you determine you have the skills, knowledge, gear, fitness, stamina, and preparation, start seeking to push yourself past simple terrain.

Embrace the opportunity to challenge yourself further, but proceed with awareness and respect for the dynamic nature of avalanche-prone environments. Begin with guided trips or alongside experienced mentors to deepen your understanding and learn from each encounter as you responsibly push your limits.

Start to find intimacy with the elements

As you venture deeper into avalanche-prone areas, enhancing your skills and understanding of the environment becomes crucial. This stage of your journey requires a focused approach to building advanced skills, recognizing danger signs, and making informed decisions.

Develop Advanced Skills

Efficient Skin Track Selection: Learn how to choose and set skin tracks that maximize energy efficiency while minimizing exposure to potential hazards. Understanding the slope angle, snow conditions, and weather influence can guide your path safely.
Terrain Navigation: Sharpen your ability to read and interpret the terrain. Recognize features that could pose risks, such as terrain traps, steep chutes, and cornices. Develop the skills to navigate around these features safely.

Learn To Recognize Danger Signs

Snowpack Analysis: Regularly practice assessing the snowpack. Learn to perform stability tests and understand their results to evaluate the potential for slides. Familiarize yourself with different types of snow layers and how they interact.
Weather Impact: Keep abreast of how changing weather conditions affect the snow. Temperature swings, wind direction, and recent snowfall can drastically alter the stability of the snowpack.

Risk Minimization Strategies

Choosing Your Lines: Develop expertise in choosing descent lines that navigate strategically through or around known avalanche paths and challenging terrain. Carefully plan your first turns, optimizing your path to balance challenge with calculated risk management.
Continual Learning: Stay updated with the latest avalanche safety research and techniques. Regular attendance at refresher courses or workshops can provide new insights and reinforce critical safety practices.

Real World Application

Mentorship and Guided Trips: Whenever possible, practice these skills under the guidance of experienced mentors or through professionally guided trips. These experiences provide a safer environment for learning and applying new techniques.
Group Dynamics: Cultivate a collaborative approach in decision-making processes with your peers. Share insights, discuss observations, and support each other in making safe choices.

Share the Love

Help others to learn, overcome, and progress

Mentoring in the Backcountry Community

Mentorship plays a crucial role in fostering a safe and knowledgeable backcountry community. Experienced adventurers who share their skills and knowledge not only enhance the safety of others but also enrich the overall community experience. By becoming a mentor, you contribute significantly to the growth and development of fellow enthusiasts, ensuring that best practices and crucial safety norms are passed down effectively.

Why Mentor?

Mentors help disseminate vital safety information and practical skills, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing the group's overall safety. Mentorship strengthens community bonds, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all members. Teaching others allows mentors to refine their own skills and deepen their understanding, as explaining complex concepts often requires a thorough grasp of the subject.

Limitation of Liability Backcountry Beauties Ltd Coop and its contributors do not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed. Furthermore, we do not accept liability for any injuries, losses, or damages arising from the use of this information. Participants in backcountry activities do so at their own risk and are responsible for verifying the applicability and safety of any techniques or suggestions before use.

No Professional Relationship The information provided does not create a professional or advisory relationship between the reader and Backcountry Beauties Ltd Coop. Readers are encouraged to consult with professional guides or certified instructors for instruction tailored to their specific situation and needs.

Voluntary Participation By using this information, individuals acknowledge that engaging in backcountry activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to the risk of injury or death. Users are responsible for their own preparation, actions, and decisions, and should undertake backcountry travel with appropriate caution and preparation.

Recommendation for Formal Training Backcountry Beauties Ltd Coop strongly advises all individuals to seek formal training and certifications in avalanche safety and first aid from accredited institutions. These trainings provide comprehensive education and hands-on practice critical for safely navigating backcountry environments.

Changes and Updates The information on this page may be updated periodically to reflect new safety standards, knowledge, and practices. Backcountry Beauties Ltd Coop does not guarantee the timeliness or completeness of the information provided and recommends that individuals stay informed through reputable sources.

By accessing and using the information on this page, you agree to the terms outlined in this disclaimer. If you do not agree with these terms, you should not use the information provided.