Backcountry trips are not for the weak, but they can be extremely enjoyable for those who like a challenge. You have the opportunity to explore mountains and the great outdoors as it becomes blanketed in white, which can often be picturesque. This is also the perfect opportunity to improve your skillset, especially if you have hiked through the area in the warmer seasons. But what should you know beforehand? As it will be trickier to travel, there are numerous risks that you must be aware of. Thankfully, this post explains three key points that you must consider before you head off into the backcountry this winter.
Assess Your Ability
As winter can be one of the most trying seasons to head off on a backcountry trip, it is vital that you have the experience and skills to succeed. This is crucial for your safety as well as your enjoyment. Without the required ability, you might be unable to handle the terrain, especially as a multi-hour tour during the winter months will demand better physical stamina. Both your physical fitness and winter-specific knowledge need to be top-tier. Backcountry touring involves strenuous climbs, and leg strength is essential. You should begin training with hill walking, running, and other activities to build your stamina.
While doing this, you must understand how to use all of your winter gear and the danger levels to ensure a safe trip. A refresher course could help you become fully skilled, as these courses typically discuss the use of avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels. You will also learn how to read avalanche bulletins to assess the risks, which enables you to make safer route choices. If you plan on skiing or snowboarding, then these skills must also be evaluated. You must be comfortable on intermediate, or blue square, runs in a resort, particularly as backcountry conditions are unpredictable. These trips often include ice, powder, and/or slush. Advanced skiing or snowboarding lessons could prove beneficial if you struggle on resort slopes.
Check the Weather
One of the most significant factors of backcountry touring in the winter is the weather. Weather conditions can change quickly, resulting in life-threatening hazards like avalanches, frostbite, and hypothermia. If you are unaware of these risks and you do not plan according to the forecasts, then you will likely be unprepared in both equipment and skillset. The best way to check the weather is to use two or three different forecasts the night before and the morning of your trip. There are several recommended sources that are more accurate; the National Weather Service point forecasts, Mountain-Forecast.com, and SNOTEL data are good weather resources, while Avalanche.org specifically provides forecasts for avalanches.
Being knowledgeable about how to handle worsening weather is important, too. As conditions can be unpredictable in the mountains, you must understand what to do. For example, knowing how to survive lightning in the backcountry could mean you discard all metal objects, including your trekking poles, and move away from lakes and streams.
Bring Essential Gear
Backcountry trips require a lot of the same gear as regular camping adventures, but there are additional items you mustn’t forget, especially during the winter. Technical equipment like an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel, a first-aid kit, navigation tools, skis or snowshoes, trekking poles, and more is vital. However, you must also consider items that will keep you warm during your excursion. During this trip, wet almost always equals cold. With this in mind, it is important to pack enough clothes and utilize an effective layering system. This means beginning with a base layer that wicks moisture, then insulating mid-layers, and finishing with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. You might need to add different clothing items or traction gadgets, depending on the terrain.
To conclude, a backcountry trip in the winter can be a challenge to prepare for, but it isn’t impossible. Following the tips outlined in this post ensures you are as prepared as you can be.
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