Backcountry Snowboarding

In the early days, when snowboarding was still outlawed from resorts, pioneers of the sport would indulge in their new pastime by hiking up mountains and riding back down with their primitive but innovative gear.

The rapid growth in the popularity of snowboarding has seen the attention now shift mainly to riding on groomed runs or terrain parks in resorts.

However, as the abilities of enthusiasts mature, many begin to search for new experiences and eventually return to the roots of snowboarding i.e. riding in the backcountry, far from the packs of visitors at the busy resorts.

Backcountry snowboarding is a combination of not just riding but also climbing and mountaineering where you venture away from the resorts and out into the wilderness to discover nature and deep, untracked powder.

Preparation

If you have never experienced riding in the backcountry, there is one important fact that you'll need to understand and that is unlike riding in a controlled environment like a resort, you alone are responsible for your own safety.

There are real dangers out in the wild which can hurt or kill you. Reading this article will provide you with some basic information on backcountry riding but will absolutely not be sufficient to prepare you for the experience

So before you head out, educate yourself by taking a course in backcountry exploration or reading up on the subject. And, as much as possible, always go in a group with experienced riders who have been there before and done that.

Backcountry snowboarding will present a variety of challenges so make sure that you have the skills to ride in a wide variety of ungroomed terrains and snow conditions.

Research Your Destination

Understanding your destination and any alternative routes will go a long way toward a safe and rewarding backcountry journey.

Tell your friends or family about your intended routes and destination and when you expect to be returning. This is so that, should an accident occur, there will at least be somebody who can initiate a search.

Check the weather forecast over the number of days you will be trekking and riding and bring enough gear and clothing to adapt to any extremes in the conditions which may occur.

If there is a local avalanche hotline, use it to find out about any risks of snowslides which may occur in the region.

The Journey

To maximize daylight, start out early in the morning. If you will be ascending the mountain through deep, untracked snow, use snowshoes or backcountry skis. These may not be necessary if you are following a packed trail or if the snow is hard and frozen.

Because hiking through deep snow consumes plenty of energy, where possible, try using preexisting tracks or take turns within the group in breaking a trail.

Use steady steps and breathe rhythmically rather than sprinting in bursts which will cause you to lose your breath quickly. Drink plenty of fluids and keep your energy up with appropriate snacks along the way.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery around you but still be aware of any potential hazards such as avalanches, falling rocks or ice, covered streams or tree wells. When you reach the summit, take some time to savor the wondrous environment and appreciate your accomplishment (unless, of course, you cheated and used a helicopter).

The best part of the whole journey will then be the descent where you float and turn through the expanse of deep untracked powder or spring corn not available on the groomed runs of any resort. But, as always, stay alert and be wary of any dangers on the way down.