Backcountry Snowboarding Takes You Off the Beaten Path

Backcountry snowboarding is becoming increasingly popular.  Those who have a bit of a wild streak will enjoy this style of boarding.  While backcountry snowboarding has its risks, there are precautions that you can and should take.  We will cover a few of them here.

Before you even consider trying backcountry snowboarding make sure you familiarize yourself with the safety equipment that you should take with you.  You should always carry an avalanche transceiver with you.  In fact you should take a class in avalanche awareness, your life depends on your level of preparedness.  Bring a small backpack with you to carry extra clothing, food, water, compass, waterproof matches, first aid kit, headlamp and water purification tablets.  You will also want to have a pair of snowshoes as you won’t have a chair lift to help you get up the hills.

The best piece of advice that we can give you when backcountry snowboarding is to always be aware of the weather conditions around you.  Be prepared to leave the area quickly if conditions change.  There is nothing quite like finding powder that hasn’t been carved by thousands of other people.  Whether you climb into unknown territory or get dropped off by helicopter, you are in for an adventure like no other.