The Backcountry's calling.
Opening weekend at Whitewater and they are reporting a 190cm base. Plenty of soft white goodness still exists inside the ropes but most backcountry skiers likely have powder fever over what bootie is to be found the other side. The 200cm mark typically appears on our radar at the end of December so the skiing is going to be great - this is a given. But are you ready? I am not talking leg strength, BMI and cardio endurance here. Instead it has to do with your head. Is it full with all the juicy goodness that is avalanche safety training: AST1 and AST2 courses? Practiced the conveyor method of shovelling and multiple burial scenarios yet? Have you got micro and macro terrain analysis in the can? What about ATES scale and all those pretty graphics on the avi bulletins?It's not just about fresh batteries in the transceiver and ensuring you remember to pack T+S+P (Transceiver, Shovel and Probe). Fill your head with something that could save your butt. Enrol in a one day Whitewater Avalanche Awareness Course then you are ready for the multi-day AST1 and AST2 courses (Avalanche Skills Training).Manage your symptoms until you are fully prepared, then answer the call, be safe and enjoy!
The Team at BackcountryskiingCanada.com(Our Photo and Video Comp is now on! Prizes from Mount Carlyle Lodge, G3, Alpine Club of Canada and Westcomb.)