Are the resort crowds getting to you, looking for a bit of backcountry quiet? If you're a newbie, welcome to skiing in its purest form, you're going to love it. If you're new to backcountry skiing before you head out do yourself a favor and get some BC education. Not only can you save your own life, but the lives of others around you. It is a responsible and ethical thing to do.

There are several options for you to arm yourself with knowledge and experience. Most mountain towns will have a local avalanche forecasting website and many will also offer hands-on snow safety classes. In the Tahoe area, skiers check-in with Sierra Avalanche Center for current snow conditions. While you're there scan their calendar for avalanche training courses.

Hands-on training for ski touring etiquette snow safety training might be hard to find due to COVID, but there are tons of helpful videos online. Have a friend that's an avid backcountry skier, most are eager to share skiing tips as well as touring etiquette.
It's not only what you know but also make sure that everyone in your group has had good snow safety training and the gear to lend assistance to those that might be in trouble. Heaven forbid if you get caught in a slide and you're the only one in your group with a shovel, probe, and the know-how to assist in a rescue, well, that's NOT good. Everyone in your group needs to at least have the safety fundamentals and gear to aid in the event of an accident. The more experienced your tribe, well, I think you get where we're coming from. Know Before You Go!

 

 

CA (Backcountry Access) has a whole series of short videos designed to whet your appetite to learn more. It's a good place to start. Backcountry Basics .

Sign up to receive up-to-date info from Backcountry Alliance. The folks here are community-based and will help you out with useful tips so you and future generations can enjoy our bountiful snow and spectacular Sierra Tahoe scenery. As more skiers pour into the backcountry, it's important to stay safe and protect the beauty of your surroundings. Pack it out and be respectful of others around you.

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