Be Prepared: Backcountry Skiing

first?

as for the shovels - make sure it is made of metal, not one of those stupid hard plastic ones. they aren't solid enough to cut through heavy/hard snow.

Glad you are doing this, but this article is way to vague IMO.

Be safe in the BC. Life is the most valuable thing you have.

nice

switch pow you're right she didn't make her point very clear. But what everybody should gain from this is Don't go into the Backcountry without Beacon, Shovel, Probes, and knowledge of how to use them, knowledge of the snowpack and current danger rating. I consider a class a necessity.

You are risking your friends' and your own life if you fail to do this, and even once you have acquired all the necessary gear and have some knowledge you are still putting your lives at risk, but you have the ability to recognize the level of risk that you are facing.

One final note just because you have the gear doesn't make you safe. Your best defense in the Backcountry is knowledge. If you have to use your rescue gear, you have fucked up seriously.

"Some key factors to keep in mind before entering the backcountry are to be prepared, know the terrain, and check the conditions before you go. "

This is so vague. And everything is mentioned as "recommended". It's not recommended... it's imperative. Going into the backcountry without all the gear... and being able to use it WELL, and being able to have ALL the knowledge associated is absolutely essential.

I don't care if you off yourself, but going into the BC without actually knowing your shit puts a ton of other people in danger (people below you, people coming to help you if you mess up). It's super irresponsible.

I don't feel this adequately represents that. So hopefully people read this.

Really sweet. Be safe.

And shovels made of metal and can be compacted easily

this "article" is kinda stupid. I've never liked how media tries to inform people of the risks of the backcountry. Not really your spot. Besides that, everything written in this is all regurgitated information that everyone always writes about. I feel that if someone has to read this article to get their information on how to start skiing in the backcountry, well - they're probably not ready to ski in the backcountry.

In all reality though, I don't really care. Go out and be a lemming, as long as you don't drop in above me and bring me down with you.

hmmm. i don't like this article at all.

there's only one thing you need to know if you're thinking of getting into the backcountry for the first time: take a course. you have to get out in the field with certified instructors and get some hands on practice or you are not ready. id hate for someone to stumble across these lousy several hundred words of 'recommendations' and think they were ready to gear up and head out.

sketchy sketchy

whoaaaa!

Kinda seems more like an ad for some spendy backcountry gear rather than providing any actual good advice. Don't get me wrong good gear is essential, and I in fact have an "Black Diamond Avalung" pack (which I love), but if you learned anything from this article then your probably NOT ready for safe winter backcountry travel.

If your in the CB backcountry be sure to check http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/

for local and up to date avy forecast.

for all of those there is a backcountry class in feburary hosted by berthoud pass its not level one but it's a good starter, if your interested you can pm me.

awesome. cant wait to go touring this year. grt article

Hey guys, sorry the article seems vague. There's a ton of information to know when it comes to Avalanche safety. (Hard to put in 400 words or less) But if you click on the links given, you can spend hours learning about Avalanche safety. Hands down the best thing you can do is take a class/ course. Most big ski areas have them.

The author is providing a jumping point for skiers interested in backcountry travel on the equipment needed and the resources available. Being comfortable with your equipment is key and the author is merely saying there are a lot of options when it comes to gear so do some research and find what works for you personally

Safety is YOUR responsibility and I suggest you peruse some of the links provided. especially avalanche.org