Backcountry Ski Touring - Early Season Dangers Part 2

Did you know that early season snowpack avalanches too? Do you know how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make backcountry skiing in the early season? I will teach you how to decide for yourself if it's safe, and help you avoid the dangers!
In this second video, Rene-Martin, backcountry guide and ski touring instructor is going to answer these difficult and complex questions.
“It’s all about the journey.”
HOW DO YOU AVOID THE BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE?
Each season is different. Do your research before you head out! Have the objective of gathering information on the terrain and slope, and not skiing. As the snowpack builds up throughout the season, you’ll have a better understanding of what lies beneath it.
Early season avalanches are real! When triggered, they often take the entire snowpack with them. Yikes! So be weary. Avoid big long slopes with challenging terrain and convex slopes. Observe, take notes, explore different faces to see how the snow is accumulating. If you can ski, see it as a blessing.
WHAT TO BRING: Carry all your safety equipment (probe, shovel, beacon, 1st aid kit, rescue sled, radios, etc.) just as you would for a regular day in the backcountry. Oh! And have your emergency plan dialed.
PRO TIP #1: If you have them, use some old skis and old skins just in case you don’t want to damage your primo kit.
MINDSET: It is a new season every year. Never the same. Never assume. Every turn you make digs into the snow. If there is less snow, you risk hitting bottom and getting hurt.
DANGERS: Hotspots are holes in the snowpack due to ground heat. They are really dangerous because they could later become big holes. Take note of their locations along with creeks and fallen trees.
SKIING DOWN: Don't do jumps! Stay centered and light on your skis and make round even turns. Only lean back if you need to pass or jump over an obstacle. If you’re stuck and can’t line up turns because of the terrain, do the one-turn, one-stop approach. And avoid other people's tracks.
RENE STAYS HOME WHEN…
1- There is a snowstorm. Storm days often bring low visibility and mixed precipitation (a.k.a. rain! at the base of the mountain).
2- The snowpack is dry snow (no support)
3- The forecast calls for warm sunny days above freezing. This is because snowpack settlement is accelerated, and the early season conditions change rapidly under the sun.
PRO TIP #2: The second snowstorm often sees more accidents. People assume there is more snow and chose to send it more. This is bad because the new snow is just hiding the previously uncovered obstacles and previous ski tracks. Caution!
TAKEAWAYS: Early-season skiing in the backcountry is all about the journey! Head out with your friends to evaluate the terrain and gain an understanding of what lies beneath the snow. Remember, it’s OK not to ski. And it’s quite common. Save your precious information for the next time you go. You’ll have a better understanding of the hidden dangers under the snow.
FULL RISK DISCLOSURE
THIS VIDEO DOES NOT REPLACE THE NEED FOR AVALANCHE AWARENESS COURSES, WILDERNESS FIRST AID TRAINING, MOUNTAINEERING COURSES, AND THE NEED FOR A GUIDE.
Backcountry skiing by definition is a non-organized, at your own risk activity. Gaining experience is invaluable and an online course cannot completely provide the required knowledge you need to guarantee your safety. Our goal is to make you a better, well-rounded backcountry traveler, a better teammate, and more educated skier.
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