No one, has the right to be out in the winter backcountry without the
proper equipment and training! Each year many people are killed in the backcountry,
which is so unfortunate, and 100% avoidable!If you are a winter backcountry enthusiast Mother Nature doesn’t care if you’re a skier, snowshoer or sledder, everyone needs to carry the proper gear and know how to use it.
Avalanches happen all season long and can let go at anytime. There are many types of avalanches and the most important thing you can arm yourself with is knowledge. Take a recognized Avalanche Skills Course to arm yourself with the knowledge to make better decisions out in the backcountry.
A good instructor and course will teach you and your riding group how to assess the latest bulletins and the different terrain that you go in. For this reason it is best to take a course in the area you ski, snowshoe or sled in. Every person who gets caught in an avalanche knows that they were in avalanche terrain so it is just the poor decision making that they made that allowed them to either be in that area or get caught. Learn to stay of the big hills during high avy warnings and play in the lower flat areas until conditions get better.
I believe you can go out anytime by having the proper training and reading the latest up to date Avalanche bulletin. You may have to forgo your favorite area or change plans last minute to go to a flat safer area but by doing this you are ensuring your and your groups safety.
Check out the Canadian Avalanche Center’s Website www.avalanche.ca for tons of amazing information, the latest bulletins for your areas and an on-line avalanche course that will help you get started. And check out www.adventuresmart.ca for tons of great links and info as well.
Detailed Info on Avy Gear Click Here
When heading outdoors in the winter your pack should contain: