Okanagan Back Country Skiers

[Noel]

Tired of lift lines, crowded slopes, bullet proof ice? Fancy some peace, tranquility and awesome fresh tracks in deep powder? Time to hit the back country.

But before you go, here are some points to consider:


The wilderness can be a dangerous place. You are far from rescue and basically on your own. That means you need to go there properly prepared. This includes (but is not limited to) the following:

1. Proper equipment. At minimum, this means an avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, backpack, clothing for changes in weather, water and snacks. Some basic survival gear is also recommended in case you end up spending the night in the woods.

Obviously you will also need some skins for your skis or split board (or show shoes), and, if you have alpine boots, you will need either proper touring bindings, or a 'trekker' adapter that will convert your downhill bindings into touring bindings.

All this gear is available at a very good price through http://backcountryaccess.com/ (especially if you can use the ski patrol pro discount!) If you are new, this can be rented from Venture Gear in Kelowna, and (maybe) Valhalla in Vernon.

2. Proper training. You should have adequate skills for the type of skiing/ boarding you will be doing. The wilderness is not the place for beginners. You should have at least good intermediate skiing skills, and not be intimidated by ungroomed snow which, at times, might include crud, crust, powder and anything else nature might throw at you.

You should practice using your avalanche transceiver. Often this will be done as a group when you set out together on your trip. You should know how to use your probe, shovel, and skins.

Taking an Avalanche Skills Training course http://avalanche.ca/cac/training/ast is highly recommended.

3. Proper Attitude. The backcountry is not the place for bravado or macho behavior. Safety, and enjoyment, comes through working together as a team. That means speaking up if you have worries or concerns, and not over-ruling someone else's expression of worry or concern. The mountain will always be there next week. You don't have to nail that killer descent today if there is any question about about snowpack stability or other hazards.

Having said all that, there is nothing like sitting at the top of a deserted mountain, with beautiful fresh snow all around - or getting face shots in waist deep powder on a 35 deg slope!

So, if you have not tried it yet, now is the time!

Noel