How to Get Started Snowboarding
Planning is Everything
Start Slow
Choose a trail you are familiar with. Keep in mind that as you head out into the snow, there may not be tracks to follow. If it is snowing or windy while you are skiing, the tracks you make may disappear before you can retrace them. While learning to navigate in the backcountry, pick destinations where route-finding won’t be a challenge.
Make a Plan and Share It with Others
Before you head out, always have a solid plan about where you are going and when you’ll return. Share this plan with an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact, detailing where you’ll park, your ski route, and your expected return time. If there’s a problem and you go MIA, someone will know where to start looking.
Pay Close Attention to the Weather Forecast
Even individuals experienced with maps, compasses, and altimeters can get lost in a blizzard. If a lot of snow is expected, wait for a clear day. If there’s been abundant snowfall, wait until the avalanche danger has dropped.
Pay Even Closer Attention to the Avalanche Report
Do an internet search for the avalanche forecasting service in your area. The avalanche danger scale ranges from 1 to 5 in the U.S. and Canada, with 1 being low risk and 5 being high. If the danger is high—3 or above—postpone your trip for another day. Generally, slopes less than 25 degrees are considered less likely to slide than steeper slopes. However, a slide can start high up in a couloir you can’t see. It’s a good idea to take an avalanche safety course if you are skiing in an area with avalanche danger. Check with your local ski shop or outdoor club; the American Avalanche Association also has a list of courses offered for recreational skiers and snowboarders as well as professionals.
Check Your Gear
Light is right when it comes to backcountry skiing and snowboarding, but durability is important as well. If you are miles from the nearest road, you can’t afford equipment failure. Always inspect your gear before heading out into the backcountry on your skis or splitboard. Check your bindings, ensure you have both skins, and verify that your skis and poles are in good working order.
Pack Wisely
Bring sufficient layers, food, and water so that if something goes wrong, you can survive until help arrives. This includes a waterproof shell jacket and pants, base layers, and extra mid-layers. Invest in a lightweight, packable puffy down or synthetic jacket that you can put on during rest stops. Your survival kit should include essential first aid supplies, a headlamp, granola bars, and a space blanket.
Get to Know Your Snow Safety Gear
Even experienced backcountry skiers practice with their avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe. Ensure your beacon has fresh batteries; you can strap it to your chest or put it in a secure pocket. If you are skiing with a group, someone needs to perform a beacon check before you head out to ensure that everyone’s equipment is turned on and working. You’ll need a shovel and probe, which should be carried inside your pack. Avalanche airbags are standard equipment in areas with significant avalanche danger. These work with either a gas canister or rechargeable battery. Battery-operated ones are easier to practice with, as you don’t need to refill any canisters, and you can fly with them on an airplane. If you deploy the airbag, make sure you know how to repack it so you can continue skiing.
Practice Your Transitions
Backcountry gear differs from your alpine ski setup. Instead of simply stepping into your bindings, you’ll need to understand how the toe piece works and how the heel can be set up for walking (free heel) and then locked down for actual skiing. Practice the system at home. Additionally, master the art of putting on and taking off your skins. A few practice sessions will make everything smoother when you are out in the wild.
Understanding Backcountry Ski and Snowboarding Equipment
Backcountry skiing has become easier—and arguably safer—due to advances in equipment. Skis are lighter and higher performing than ever before, and new binding technology has made it easier to walk uphill while wearing skis and maintain control while skiing down.
Any ski or snowboard that you might use at a resort can be skied in the backcountry, although snowboarders should invest in a splitboard designed for both uphill and downhill travel. For skiers, a lightweight ski that handles everything from windblown crust to bottomless powder is ideal. Many backcountry skiers prefer a ski that’s at least 95mm underfoot. You’ll need ski boots with a “tech” toe, meaning that there are pin holes on either side of the boot’s toe. These boots will work fine with traditional alpine bindings, but the “pin” system allows your boot to rotate at the toe while you walk. You’ll also have a “walk mode,” which releases the cuff so your foot can flex while you walk. These hybrid boots work for alpine (downhill) bindings as well as backcountry alpine touring (AT) use.
Any ski or snowboard that you might use at a resort can be skied in the backcountry, although snowboarders should invest in a splitboard designed for both uphill and downhill travel. For skiers, a lightweight ski that handles everything from windblown crust to bottomless powder is ideal. Many backcountry skiers prefer a ski that’s at least 95mm underfoot. You’ll need ski boots with a “tech” toe, meaning that there are pin holes on either side of the boot’s toe. These boots will work fine with traditional alpine bindings, but the “pin” system allows your boot to rotate at the toe while you walk. You’ll also have a “walk mode,” which releases the cuff so your foot can flex while you walk. These hybrid boots work for alpine (downhill) bindings as well as backcountry alpine touring (AT) use.
There are various bindings for backcountry skiing. The most important element is to choose a “tech” binding with a “free heel” so you can walk with your skis on. Alpine Touring (AT) bindings provide a free-heel mode for moving efficiently on flat and uphill terrain, along with the option to lock down your heel—and toe—for the descent. The purist form of backcountry skiing is telemark, where your heels are always free. However, the classic telemark turn takes some practice. Splitboards are snowboards that divide into two pieces for walking, with bindings that adapt to both walk and ride modes.