Backcountry riding introduces an unrivaled level of excitement and challenge for snowboarders. From Olympic medalists to everyday free riders, most snowboarders will agree that there's nothing quite as satisfying as carving out fresh tracks in deep, untouched powder. However, backcountry riding is also quite dangerous and it's critical to adequately prepare yourself before your first trip.
Basics
Before ever setting foot outside of the ski boundaries it's critical to adequately develop your skills and physical abilities. It doesn't matter how easy the pros make it look, backcountry riding should never be attempted by beginner or intermediate riders. Test yourself before you hit the backcountry. Spend a winter or two mastering the most difficult terrain the local ski area has to offer, hone deep-powder skills and get comfortable riding out of tricky situations. Treat each day at the mountain like a training session. Stretch out and stay limber to avoid injury and keep a serious mindset about what you're preparing for. Understand that dangerous situations will occur in the backcountry and it's crucial to be ready for them.
Preparation
Physical preparation is only the first step in backcountry riding. It's equally important to acquire proper knowledge of the area and terrain, snow and avalanche safety and weather patterns. It can be difficult to truly learn about the area until its been ridden, but talking to other experienced riders, studying maps and, if possible, checking out any videos or photos of the backcountry area will help. Use the hike up as an opportunity to observe the terrain and visualize the route down, and don't be afraid to bombard the guide with questions.
Understanding avalanche safety is extremely important. According to studies, 90 percent of avalanche-related deaths are the result of a slide triggered by the victim or someone in the victims party. An avalanche safety course should be taken well in advance of the trip. Many ski areas, college universities and outdoor retailers such as REI offer avalanche safety classes. Put the newly acquired skills to use prior to the trip. Practice digging snow pits and reading the snowpack, operating the transceiver and even do a mock avalanche bury to get a feel for using the probe and digging someone out. A few hours of practice could mean the difference between life and death should an avalanche actually occur.
Finally, study the weather patterns in the days before the trip. Take some time to learn how weather variables affect avalanche risk, and be prepared to constantly assess that risk as the weather shifts. Organize sets of clothing based on weather conditions. Mountain weather can shift rapidly and without warning, so plan accordingly.
Gear
Anyone interested in the backcountry should already have the basic gear, so focus on obtaining good avalanche safety gear before springing for other upgrades. A backpack will be necessary for storing all the gear as there are quite a few must-haves to bring on the trip. A transceiver, probe and shovel are the core avalanche safety items to bring. It's also smart to bring an inclinometer, which is used to measure the angle of the slope, as well as a whistle or signaling mirror. Always make sure to bring extra batteries for the transceiver.
An Avalung is another avalanche safety item to be considered. Many avalanche victims that survive the physical trauma suffer from asphyxiation once the snow has settled. The Avalung helps by drawing air from in front of the victim and depositing the toxic carbon dioxide exhalation behind them. This can grant the victim precious extra time while they are being rescued.
A map and compass are the staple navigational tools, and while a GPS unit is a nice accessory, it should never replace these two items. First aid supplies, sunscreen and lib balm, extra clothing, hydration and food are other items that should be brought. Multiple goggles or lenses are great to have to accommodate changes in weather and lighting.
A splitboard, which basically allows the rider to cross-country ski uphill, is great item to have for long hikes. These are specialized snowboards that split in half vertically to form two skis. "Skins" which grip provide excellent traction on the snow are attached to the bottom of the boards. Once at the top, the board can be reattached and the bindings adjusted back to a normal snowboard.
Overnight expeditions require a few more necessities that have not been listed. However, as a backcountry beginner, tackle quite a few shorter day trips before venturing out on an extended trip.
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