How To

    3 Tips for Having a Successful Backcountry Ski Excursion

    Backcountry skiing can be extremely fun. Part of the reason why this is the case is because when you do backcountry skiing, you are often skiing on terrain that has never been skied before by a human being. This can result in you having incredible experiences connecting with nature in ways that are profound. However, there are some things that you should know before you venture out into your first, or your next, backcountry ski excursion. Here three tips for having a successful backcountry ski excursion.

    Study the weather and avalanche reports carefully before you leave

    Backcountry skiing can be awesome, but if you get caught in a storm or an avalanche then your fun day of skiing can quickly go south. Luckily modern weather reporting is very accurate. So, just make sure then when you choose to venture out into the backcountry on a day when there is not a major storm coming or a large chance of an avalanche happening.

    Remember to work as a team

    When you going skiing with your friends in the backcountry, you are more than just friends; you are a team. You need to all work together to make sure that everyone is safe, does not get lost, has enough provisions, etc. The more effectively you can work as a team, the safer you will be, and the more fun you will have.

    Bring hand and foot warmers

    This may seem like common sense, however, many people forget to do this. But, in some cases, hand warmers and foot warmers can make the difference between getting frostbite and not getting it. In the backcountry, help is a long ways away, so you definitely want to make sure that you do what is necessary to prevent frostbite. It is better to be safe than sorry.

    Image is courtesy of Shutterstock