Once you exit the boundaries at any ski area or hike into Washington wilderness that is not monitored by ski patrols, you enter into the backcountry. The risk involved in backcountry skiing may include sinkholes, avalanches, large cliffs and changing weather conditions. While you may see trails with markers outside the boundaries of some ski resorts, riding in the backcountry of Washington requires an expert skill level to ride at your own risk.
Required Equipment
Bring along specific equipment before you venture into the backcountry of the Olympic or Cascade mountains. Critical safety equipment you should carry into the backcountry include an avalanche transponder, backcountry shovel, extended and folded avalanche probes. Inside your backpack include a first aid kit, water, high energy food, a flashlight, extra gloves, dry socks and a dry hat. Having a cell phone and two-way radio is optional equipment to bring into the backcountry.
Avalanche Training
Being prepared in advance for an avalanche may save your life or the lives of others in the backcountry. Ski resorts like Crystal Mountain have professional instructors that offer avalanche training courses, where you may take an intensive weekend training and safety course. Crystal Mountain has a beacon practice area that allows you to sharpen your transceiver skills. Avalanche training is available at other resorts, such as Stevens Pass that has the Beacon Basin for you to become more proficient at your beacon locating skills. There is also avalanche training in North Bend.
Geographical Knowledge
Venturing into the backcountry is where geographic knowledge is critical, so you can make a safe ascent and descent. The key to safely returning from the backcountry is for you to have a strong knowledge of the areas roads, peaks, valley, waterways and local landmarks. Understanding how to return from the backcountry under every possible weather condition is also paramount, since changing weather patterns can be disorienting if you are not prepared in advance.
Precautionary Measures
Before heading into the backcountry, check your avalanche transponders receiver strength at such locations as Elk Pass to make sure your equipment is working properly. Rugged terrain in the backcountry normally has not had any avalanche control, requiring you to be knowledgeable, respectful and prepared. Checking-in with ski patrols before heading into backcountry wilderness and after you leave the backcountry is another way to ensure your safety.
Considerations
Typicallly you need to sign a release of liability form before being able to travel into backcountry areas. With any number of unexpected situations that can arise, always travel with at least one partner into the backcountry. One of your personal responsibilities in the backcountry is being prepared to help others if they get injured. There are several options in backcountry riding, whether you hike into the backcountry of a ski resort by foot or ride one of North Cascade Heli Ski's helicopters into the wilderness.
Member Comments