By Matt de Waard
Many of you have peered beyond the resorts and wondered how amazing it would be to go backcountry touring and have fresh, untracked lines to ride. But like most adventures, it requires preparation before you go. Before you slide off into the backcountry, how do you manage the risks and make the most of the experience?
Preparation
Think of backcountry touring as a snow–covered hike into the wilderness. You need to be self–sustaining and equipped to deal with a few contingencies.
Firstly, you'll need some equipment suitable for backcountry travel that may include Alpine Touring Skis, Snowshoes, Split–boards, Telemark or Cross–Country skis. If you're new to the backcountry, you can try before you buy. There are excellent shops in the Snowy Mountains who cater for this. Be sure to have a chat with the knowledgeable staff who can provide you with helpful tips and gear.
Your backpack will need a few items each time you go. Water, food, extra layers, sunscreen, first aid, shelter, sunglasses/goggles, navigation equipment (map/Compass/GPS) and your avalanche gear (Beacon, shovel, probe) if you are headed into avalanche terrain.
Dressing successfully for backcountry travel involves layering, allowing you to regulate your temperature to minimise sweating. You'll have to earn those turns so you will heat up and cool down. Use sweat wicking materials for a base layer, insulation layers in the middle and waterproof / wind–proof outerwear.
Pro tip: Leave the cotton at home. While it will keep you cool, it also stays wet on your skin and wet skin in cold wind is a recipe for hypothermia.
Planning
It's important to have an idea of where you would like to go and what your intentions are. If you're new to the backcountry, start small and work your way up as your experience grows.
For example, a trip to ski the Western Faces can take an entire day and require lots of energy as well as special equipment and a high level of skill in steep, technical terrain (think crampons, ice axes). You may have a far more enjoyable time closer to the trail heads, cruising through the beautiful snow gums in more mellow terrain and enjoying the spirit of the mountains.
Tell someone that you trust where you are going and when you are expected to be back. You should also register your trip through the NPWS via their Trip Intention Form online.
It's a smart idea to also carry a PLB (Personal Locater Beacon) should you need assistance in an emergency as mobile phone coverage in the mountains can be variable. If it's your first time out, go with a local guide or an experienced friend to help introduce you to the backcountry.
The most common causes of emergencies in the Aussie mountains involve people getting lost, cold, or injuring themselves after falling. Be sure to check out the weather report and pay close attention to the wind, temperatures and any precipitation that may be coming. Unless you are fully prepared for a blizzard, then postpone your trip for a better day.
Conditions
Our Aussie mountains, while beautiful, can be quite deceiving and have caught out many an unwary traveller. The weather and snow conditions can be wild and dramatic. A sunny day can turn to a complete white out in minutes to hours, making it very tough to navigate. The wind can pick up quickly and drop the relative temperature to well below zero. This is when those water and windproof layers are essential.
The snow conditions during your tour, can and will vary. There is no grooming, so it's not uncommon to ride everything from smooth silky windblown snow, to bulletproof ice and everything in between, all on the same day or even the same run. Spring corn, sastrugi (think mini frozen sand dunes) rime ice, cornices and breakable crusts can be encountered throughout so it's wise to ride well within your comfort level.
The key is patience. Pay attention to the conditions and try not to let your ambitions overtake your ability.
Group Dynamics and Decision Making
The people you tour with can have a huge impact on your day. With differing abilities and fitness levels, it's easy for people to fall behind or be taken to places they may not be comfortable with. The key is clear two–way communication and to take everyone into account. Making safe decisions requires you to leave your ego back at the trail head.
Be supportive of each other, share your enthusiasm and any concerns. The lure of the mountains can be strong and if today isn't the right day for that tour or that peak, there is always tomorrow.
Many backcountry enthusiasts foster their enjoyment of our unique mountains over many years and there are some fantastic resources shared out there for you to learn and discover.
Enjoy those well–earned turns and I'll see you on the skin track.
