Backcountry – Before You Go

If you decide to leave the area boundary – the minimum you should have with you:

  1. A knowledgeable partner that would go out of their way to help you.
  2. Winter conditions:
    1. Avalanche transceiver 457 khz(on your body) and demonstrated ability to use it, and avalanche knowledge.
    2. Knowledge of local avalanche conditions.
    3. Shovel/Probe.
    4. Good backcountry ski/ board equipment in good working order/ ability to ascend (skins, touring bindings)
  3. Knowledge of the terrain and your ability.
  4. Basic First Aid/ Survival equipment
  5. Food / Water
  6. Charged Cell phone, VHF radio, or Sat phone, contact numbers
  7. Navigation equipment.

Know this winter’s snow pack layers
• Know the recent snowfall and type
• Know current CAA Avalanche Center forecast, Whistler Blackcomb mountain Forecast, local avy bulletin
• Know today’s weather forecast (snowfall, temperature & visibility).PLAN YOUR TRIP THOROUGHLY

Be prepared to cope with emergencies due to fatigue, equipment failures, weather and avalanches.

  • Evaluate each member’s capacity and ability
  • Check the personal equipment of the party
  • Carry a mobile phone with full battery charge
  • Keep hydrated and nourished throughout the day
  • Understand supply levels of liquid and food for the group
  • Pace the travel speed of the party so that no one becomes exhausted
  • Keep the party together but not too close in avalanche terrain
  • The leader should be experienced in route selection
  • Ensure that there are sufficient tools in the group to repair broken skis, skins and bindings
  • The leader must be capable of organizing a backcountry avalanche rescue, communicating to the outside world, including applying first aid and keeping survivors alive until rescuers arrive