Getting into the Backcountry

Destination BC | Northern BC Tourism | Mattias Fredriksson photo

As the snow falls and winter season has arrived, the eagerness to find those fresh powder lines is at an all time high.

As the snow falls and winter season has arrived, the eagerness to find those fresh powder lines is at an all time high. 

More and more people are wanting to escape the crowds of in-resort winter activities and take to the vastness of the backcountry. The backcountry offers opportunities for you and your friends to scope out that untouched powder. 

So what do we mean when we talk about backcountry? The backcountry refers to being ‘outside of a controlled recreation area.’ It can be unpredictable and ever-changing, but you can minimize exposing yourself to high-risk situations by being prepared and knowledgeable. 

British Columbia has an array of terrain to explore, it’s vital to be aware of the potential risks. If you are traveling in avalanche terrain, you and your group should have adequate avalanche training. If we stay aware, educated, and assess the risk, we can prepare accordingly. 

how to get started?

To help us get the scoop on how to get started as a newbie backcountry enthusiast, we reached out to BC AdventureSmart to discuss backcountry safety. 

“Feeling confident before you head into the backcountry starts with getting informed and educated about your personal preparedness, safe outdoor practices, incident prevention and knowing what to do in an emergency.  All of these aspects are shared in BC AdventureSmarts webinars, on their social media, on their website and at their outdoor events.  Confidence comes from knowledge, confidence comes from experience, confidence comes from practice, confidence comes from getting informed before you head outdoors!”- Sandra Riches, Executive Director of BC AdventureSmart

1. Get educated.

The best way to gain knowledge and be confident in those skills is to take avalanche safety courses. A helpful course for those beginning to learn about the backcountry is the Avalanche Safety Training 1 (AST1) course. This course provides participants with the foundational skills to understand, recognize and avoid avalanche hazards, basic snowpack structure, weather, group management, safe route finding and avalanche rescue techniques. There are many providers of AST1 courses, including the Alpine Club of Canada and local guide businesses. Here is a list of providers that are licensed by Avalanche Canada. 

2. Assess your fitness and skills.

In terms of fitness, this will vary depending on the activity. For skiers and boarders, it’s advised that you should at least be comfortable with intermediate blue runs before taking an AST1 course. Overall your fitness and skills need to be practiced before you head into the backcountry. Keep practicing your skills and familiarize yourself with your equipment while in ‘in-bound recreation’ areas so you are prepared for when you get out there.

3. Get the appropriate gear. 

It’s essential to have the correct gear for all backcountry users. Be sure to test the equipment and make sure it is all working and that you know how to use it.

Gear essentials to pack: 

• Avalanche transceiver – ensure fresh batteries are put in.

• Avalanche probe – used to pinpoint people in the event of an avalanche.

• Snow shovel – used to excavate people in an avalanche.

• Extra clothing – pack an extra layer or two of clothing.

• First aid kit – helpful in case of an incident or emergency.

• Navigation and communication aids – bring along a map and compass at a minimum. Cell phones are commonly not in signal while you’re touring but travel with it on airplane mode to save battery power, once back in signal you may need it. Don’t rely on it as a primary means of communication. Communication devices such as InReach, Zoleo, or SPOT are also valuable tools but ensure you know how to use them.

• Extra food and water.

• Fire-making kit – great for multi-day trips, or if a day trip takes longer than planned. An important resource for keeping warm.

• A headlamp is important to have, especially if you start early or finish later than expected, essential for multi-day trips.

Check out more essential items to have: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/backcountry-touring/. 

4. Plan your backcountry tour 

Don’t go alone. Start with a mellow trip and make sure your group knows you’re a beginner; find a mentor or more experienced skiers, splitboarders and other backcountry users that can help you progress. “Easily accessible, the backcountry can give some backcountry enthusiasts a false sense of security and it can be unpredictable. Bad weather and avalanches are two of its main dangers” (BC AdventureSmart). 

Checking the weather forecast before heading out is essential and knowing when sunset time is. 

5. Do not be afraid to say no

If you don’t feel comfortable or feel as though the conditions are not right, speak up. Generally following your gut is a good call and even on high-risk avalanche days you can stick to low-angle terrain  

Safety knowledge

“Starting at BC AdventureSmart will increase your awareness about the 3 Ts; trip planning, training and taking the essentials (+ seasonal and sport-specific gear).  Ensure you couple BC AdventureSmart’s message with their industry partner’s resources at Avalanche Canadafor up-to-date avalanche forecasting and safety tools.

Whether you’re hiking or touring, on your snowboard or snowshoes, there’s unlimited terrain to enjoy!  “For any backcountry travel, you – and everyone in your party – must be self-sufficient. If you’re travelling in avalanche terrain, make sure that you and your group also have adequate avalanche training. Whatever sport you choose – skiing, snowboarding, or splitboarding – always be well prepared before you go.” – BC AdventureSmart

• Make a plan and leave a plan with a trusted emergency contact.

• Understand and recognize weather phenomena.

• Make sure you can read the mountain terrain.

• Know the dangers of avalanches.

• Take an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel with you.

• Check the weather conditions before you go (BC AdventureSmart).

Being prepared and having that essential safety tool kit is what will set you up with success and ensure you have a great adventure in the backcountry. Things can happen that are out of our control, but it’s important to be trained in knowing how to react to ensure the best possible outcome. 

For more information visit avalanchecanada.com and adventuresmart.ca.