Backcountry Safety 101: Rule #1 - Respect the Mountain

The allure of fresh lines through pristine powder is irresistible, but the mountain doesn’t care about your stoke. Every year, skiers and snowboarders venture out-of-bounds unprepared.

Let’s break down the non-negotiable list of gear you need before even thinking about leaving the marked trails.

The Holy Trinity: Beacon, Shovel, Probe

If you don’t have these three items — and know how to use them — you are a liability to yourself and your friends. Full stop.

1. Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon)

• What it does: Sends a signal so you can be found if buried. Receives signals to find others.
• Key Feature: Must be a 3-antenna digital device. Older analog models are less precise.
• Our Pick: Mammut Barryvox S or Pieps Pro BT. Simplicity under stress is key.

2. Shovel

• What it does: Digs people out.
• Key Feature: Metal blade. Plastic shovels flex and break in avalanche debris, which sets like concrete.
• Our Pick: BCA Dozer 1T. Durable and packs flat.

3. Probe

• What it does: Pinpoints a buried victim after the beacon gets you close.
• Key Feature: Length matters. Get at least a 280cm or 300cm probe.
• Our Pick: Black Diamond QuickDraw Carbon 320.

Beyond the Trinity: Communication & Knowledge

Having the gear is only step one. Education is your primary safety tool. Take an AST 1 (Avalanche Skills Training) or AIARE Level 1 course.

“The most dangerous thing in the backcountry is ignorance combined with confidence.”

Stay safe, check the avalanche forecast daily, and ride with a partner you trust with your life.