Backcountry Safety Basics

 

Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding - Touring

Backcountry Skiing has gained increased popularity over recent years with many people deciding to go outside of the Ski Resort boundaries and utilise ski/snowboard touring equipment to explore and discover the broader alpine landscape. These freedoms also come with increased uncontrolled risks and require a level of self sufficiency for food and shelter and the ability to navigate the environment in all weather conditions. Any help is far away and the key is to fully prepare for the risks and have the right equipment before you head out.

We hope that these guides and videos can assist in your preparation to understand the dangers in this environment so you can stay SNOWSAFE.

For up to date backcountry conditions please visit: MSC Backcountry Conditions Report

Mountain Safety | Hotham

 

Planning and Running a Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding Trip

Pack equipment appropriate for your trip and know how to use it. What you pack depends obviously depends on the type and length of trip, but often includes:

  • Backcountry skiing / snowboarding equipment.

    • Skis with alpine touring bindings + climbing skins, ski boots, ski poles.

    • Splitboard + climbing skins OR snowboard + snowshoes, snowboard boots, collapsible poles.

    • Avalanche beacon, probe and shovel.

    • Helmet, goggles.

  • Water

    • Optional: small stove + pot + fuel + lighter/flint to melt snow for water.

  • Food.

    • High energy food that’s light and easy to prepare.

    • Including emergency food + hot drinks if something goes wrong and you’re out for longer than planned.

    • If planning to camp out – Small stove + pot + fuel + 2x lighters or flint.

  • Clothing.

    • Suitable for harsh winter alpine conditions.

    • Must include spare gloves/mitts, waterproof jacket and pants.

  • First aid kit.

    • Optional: lightweight sleeping mat.

  • Navigation.

    • Map, compass.

    • Optional: GPS, altimeter.

  • Communications.

    • Mobile phone, mobile phone battery.

    • If heading into a remote area without reliable mobile phone coverage – satellite phone or PLB.

  • Shelter.

    • Emergency tarp + guy lines, bivy sack.

    • If planning to camp out – 4 season rated tent, snow pegs, sleeping mat, sleeping bag.

  • Headtorch + spare batteries.

  • Sun protection.

    • Sunscreen, lip balm, sun hat, sunglasses, goggles.

  • Miscellaneous items.

    • Toilet paper + lighter, pen + pad, hand/toe warmers, ski straps, multitool, repair kit, etc.

  • Steep snow and ice equipment (optional)    

    • Ice axe, crampons, harness, biners, rope, etc.

Develop a Trip Plan which should include:

  • Travel Plan – objectives, options, anticipated hazards and mitigation strategies, decision points for go/no go, route selections, etc.

  • Emergency Management Plan – leadership arrangements, equipment to manage an emergency including first aid and communications, evacuation routes, emergency phone and UHF radio numbers, etc.

  • Alternative Trip Plan – have an alternative plan for poor weather.

Leave your Trip Plan with a responsible person with clear instructions on when they should contact the Police if they have not heard that you’ve returned safely from your trip by an agreed date and time.

Check the weather forecast and adjust your Trip Plan accordingly, execute your Alternative Trip Plan, or cancel your trip if the weather is not appropriate.

Get information on snowpack conditions (from your own previous trips, from friends, from ski patrols, etc.) and adjust your Trip Plan accordingly.

Know how to navigate competently through the terrain you’re travelling in and have the necessary navigation equipment (map, compass, GPS, altimeter, etc.).

Know how to safely travel through potentially dangerous mountain terrain that you might encounter such as icy slopes, near cornices, avalanche terrain, river crossings, cliffs, etc.

Ideally, don’t travel alone in the backcountry.

Don’t be afraid to change your trip plan, turn around, etc., e.g. if weather conditions turn poor or you feel out of your comfort zone.

Travel as a group, especially in poor weather conditions. In a whiteout it’s easy for a group to get separated. 

Stay within your physical, skill and experience limits.

  • If you plan to ski/board in avalanche terrain (i.e. slopes > 25 degrees):

  • Education – books, online videos, courses, trips with experienced friends, etc. Learn how to identify potential avalanche terrain, how to decide whether or not to ski/board it, techniques to travel over it as safely as possible (e.g. safe zone to safe zone, one person exposed on a slope at a time, etc), and avalanche rescue techniques.

  • Equipment – make sure that all members in your group carry avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel and probe) and regularly practice using it.

  • Experience – get plenty of it on easier backcountry terrain before you venture out to ski/board in avalanche terrain.

Always question the leader’s decisions. If you feel something is wrong/unsafe/etc., speak up.

 

What To Do If Something Goes Wrong In The Backcountry

Never create a second victim – only try to help someone if it’s safe for you and others to do so.

If you are lost:

  • Try and retrace your steps to your last known location.

  • If you are certain that you a lost, stay where you are (or move to a safe location if appropriate). You will be harder to find on the move, and moving uses up a lot of energy.

  • If you can safely do so, find a sheltered spot and leave something visible for searchers such as an item of colourful clothing, crossed skis, snowboard standing upright, etc. If you can, stamp a big cross in the snow and fill it with leaves, twigs, etc.

  • Stay out of the wind. If you have a tarp or tent, set it up and huddle together with any others to stay warm. Try and keep your clothing as dry as possible. If the weather is very bad and you don’t have a tarp or tent, consider digging a snow hole so that you can get out of the wind.

  • If you’re above the tree line, ideally don’t drop down into the trees except for temporary shelter, since you’ll be much more difficult to see by helicopter if you’re in the trees.

  • If you have a mobile phone, satellite phone, or PLB then if possible, use it to alert the authorities that you are lost and need help.

If you or a member of your group is badly injured or ill and unable to self-rescue:

  • Apply first aid.

  • Ideally get the injured person into a tent or hut and keep them warm and as comfortable as possible.

  • If you have a mobile phone, satellite phone, or PLB then if possible use it to alert the authorities that you are lost and need help.

Recognise and treat hypothermia

If you or a member of your group is hypothermic:

  • Treat the victim immediately by providing shelter, warm dry clothing, a sleeping bag or hypothermia wrap. Warm the person from the inside out by giving them warm drinks and sugary foods if they’re conscious.

  • Hypothermia is serious and can result in collapse or death if untreated.

  • Remember that children get colder and tire faster than adults, so they are especially susceptible to hypothermia. Check them regularly, especially inactive babies in backpacks.

Recognise avalanche hazard

If a member of your group is buried in an avalanche companion rescue is their only chance of survival, so do not go for help. You must search for them yourself + with any others.

Always keep in mind that if you are badly injured or become ill in the backcountry, professional help is often hours away.