Looking for some wild and pristine winter majesty? We’re here to show you exactly how to get into backcountry snowboarding, not that it’s a struggle.
Backcountry snowboarding is a unique way to escape the bustle of resorts and lifts. It is, unequivocally, the best way to track down that untracked powder. But it can be tough to pick up the knowledge required to get atarted. And without the proper knowledge, you are quite literally risking life and limb.
If you’re ready to take your winter adventuring to a whole new level of, umm, epic-ness, well, this is your jam. Let’s go.
How to Get into Backcountry Snowboarding for Beginners.
Start with Resort Riding!
Maybe it goes without saying that you should master snowboarding before trying to head ‘off-piste’.
Backcountry snowboarding, even in its milder forms, is a more extreme version of snowboarding. It’s easy to forget that the allure of resort riding goes beyond chairlifts and lodges. Any popular resort mountain will staff a well-trained crew of safety experts ready to get you off the mountain in an emergency situation.
In the backcountry, the risks are far greater. You are responsible for yourself and your touring partners. An accident caused by an unseen obstacle, a shift in conditions, or an avalanche; any of these can easily turn a pleasant expedition into a life-threatening disaster.
Still, riding in the backcountry has it’s unparalleled rewards. There’s no better way to consistently chase down A-grade powder. I’ve had my best runs in the backcountry, riding powder so light and deep that it feels like surfing. And of course, while it’s not for everyone, there are plenty who fiend for the climb.
But I do just want to make it clear from the beginning here that you should be very comfortable on varying terrain before heading off on your own trails. Don’t try and start on a splitboard. Ease your way in.
Avalanche Awareness
If you’re not worried about an avalanche, you should be. If there is snow, and it is on a hill, there is very little to guarantee that it won’t start sliding. And you’re not digging yourself out, so get that idea right out of your head.
If you are planning to get into backcountry adventuring, one of your first endeavors is going to be to complete an Avalanche Safety Course. The most widely-recognized avalanche safety courses are offered via the AIARE. AIARE stands for American Institute for Avalanche Research. You’ll find AIARE courses available in any region where avalanches regularly occur.
The most common of these courses fall under the AIARE 1 or the AIARE 2 title, with AIARE 1 obviously being the introductory course. These courses can be expensive. But you should consider the AIARE 1 mandatory for just about anything beyond a skin up at the resorts.
I reiterate. This is not something you can skip. There’s no substitute for real-world guidance. Plus, courses often involve a guided group trek, which is worth the price on its own.
These courses will instruct you on how to assess avalanche risk and how to use avalanche safety equipment. Aside from being super interesting and entertaining for anyone who is seriously into backccountry exploring, this knowledge will save your life.
If you still don’t think it’s worthwhile to gain a thorough understanding of your risks when entering the backcountry, I encourage you to read through just a few of these official avalanche reports to understand just how dangerous a lack of knowledge can be.
Backcountry Snowboarding Gear
You’re going to need loads of gear. Like, really an awful lot of gear. If you thought snowboarding was expensive and gear intensive, get ready to enter into a whole new domain of fiscal adventure.
I don’t want to discourage you by any means. This is one pursuit that I consider to be well worth the price of admission. But I do recommend at least a day on rental equipment.
Most backcountry rental gear is going to be found at a backcountry resort. It’s just a little too random of an item to pick up at your typical snow sports outfitter. That’s perfectly acceptable though, since a backcountry resort is really the best introduction to the sport without a close companion who is willing to hold your hand.
But you can absolutely find specialized rentals. And this is great if you just want to skin up at one of the resorts and get a feel for the techniques and processes. I like wilderness Exchange a lot if you’re in Denver. Otherwise, a little Google hunting should find you a spot.
You can check out my full list of gear if you want a comprehensive rundown of everything you’re going to need.And this isn’t just a collection of sales pages. We give you the info first, all of the weird details you need to get your head wrapped around what you’re gonna want. It also branches off into some helpful guidance on choosing the right specific equipment for your needs.
If you’re into building up a splitboard setup on your own, I have a full walk-through. This details an installation that uses regular bindings, but it’s applicable to any setup really. Things just get a little easier if you’re on split-specific bindings.
One of the more confusing aspects of getting into backcountry snowboarding is figuring out how to work with climbing skins. I’ve got a comprehensive explanation of how skins are used and maintained that culminates in a guide to buying your first skins. Check it out. It really simplifies the whole confusing concept.
Choosing Your First Backcountry Route
When it comes to backcountry riding, start small and build up your skill level. It turns out there are several ways to cautiously build up your skill on a splitboard before you start chasing down massive lines.
Many resorts allow uphill access during certain hours or in specific regions, and it’s usually cheap or free. Find your nearest ascent-friendly resort and plan a climb. Start with groomed trails to get familiar with your equipment. Gradually move on to exploring more challenging terrain.
While still fairly uncommon, there are resorts like Bluebird Backcountry which specialize in backcountry skiing. This concept can combine some of the thrills of backcountry with the safety and amenities of resort riding.
Backcountry resorts will typically feature routes that are well-traveled and monitored by experts, some kind of ski patrol, excellent safety guidance, and some form of base lodge and equipment rentals. Prices are typically much more reasonable than full-service resorts.
Bluebird was my first experience with backcountry riding, and I loved it. It’s a great way to safely explore a backcountry environment before you go all-in on equipment and AIARE courses. Plus, you can bring your dog for a small fee.
And then the AIARE. Unless you work your way into an experienced group, or you’re just doing a simple and well-researched hut trip, you want to take the AIARE 1. This class will get you running with the basics on planning and choosing routes. But it also includes some field work where you do actually go on your first route with trained professionals. It’s well worth it.
Preparation
Once you’re ready to head out on your first real-deal backcountry adventure, it’s important to get all of your proverbial ducks in a row.
Get yourself a trustworthy traveling companion. Pair up with someone who knows their stuff, understands the risks, and can communicate effectively with rescue workers in the event of an emergency. Your dog doesn’t count. A local guide counts double in unfamiliar terrain. Just as long as that guide is, again, not your dog.
Understand the terrain and map out your route. Maps can help provide a visual representation of the area and its features, but utilizing a GPS system is also a great way to keep track of your location and ensure you’re always heading in the right direction.
Double check your packing list. You’re planning to escape civilization for awhile. Be sure to bring the necessities of civilization along with you, or you’re gonna get screwed.
Plan for disaster. What happens if an equipment failure sends you boot packing through feet of powder with 50 lbs on your back? What if the accident that caused your equipment failure also broke your femur. Pack food and water, pack emergency tools, pack shelter when necesarry, pack first aid equipment.
Conclusion
Backcountry snowboarding is a blast. It’s an exciting and rewarding activity that can provide unforgettable experiences. With the right preparation, it can be a safe and enjoyable way to enjoy the winter season.
Hopefully I’ve given you some useful details on how to get into backcountry snowboarding. Let me know if I have. Happy exploring!