In a nutshell, back-country travel means moving through any area that is not maintained or supervised by resorts or other entities.
In the back country, your safety is 100 percent reliant on yourself and those with whom you are traveling. There is no ski patrol and even if you are able to reach emergency services by phone or radio, search and rescue may be many hours away.
Back-country travel is a commitment both in terms of risk and preparation. While the rewards of tranquility, fresh powder and communion with nature are immense, the potential hazards are equally real.
You can spend decades perfecting these skills, but there are a few basics everyone should know before stepping foot into the winter wilderness. One of the most important things is you must already be an expert-level downhill skier before you tackle back-country skiing.
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Get the gear
Safe back-country travel requires a unique set of equipment that may be purchased at several area sports shops. Rather than buying online, it’s always a good idea to support a local vendor. Their knowledgeable staff will also help you find the right gear for your needs and provide an invaluable local perspective on how to prepare for the Tahoe Sierra back country. They also offer demos and rentals to try before committing to a big purchase.
Back-country travel options
Alpine touring skis | This is the most popular choice for back-country winter mountain travel today. When paired with climbing skins, this setup features a detachable rear binding that allow skiers to hike uphill to access the mountains. The heel can be resecured when it’s time to go downhill for normal alpine turns.
Telemark skis | This old school touring setup is now more of a niche sport. The skis are the same, but the binding features a permanently free heel. You’ve probably seen them on the mountain styling their unique dropped-knee turns.
Splitboard | Basically, it’s a snowboard that breaks in half to form two skis for uphill travel. Thanks to local advocates such as Jeremy Jones, splitboards have soared in popularity in recent years. After all, there’s no feeling quite like snowboarding through untouched powder and earning your turns is the best way to get there.
Cross-country skis | Perfect for trails, but difficult to use on deep snow or steep pitches, you probably won’t venture too far from the beaten path on cross-country skis. However, they are a light, simple option for exploring mellower areas closer to home.
Snowshoes | Tried and true, the original back-country mode of travel is easy to use. Although not as efficient as skis, these classic tools can take you to many special, untouched places if you’re willing to put in the effort. If you are new to the game and looking to explore the back country with minimal hassle, this is the way to go.
Snowmobiling | In addition to having all the safety gear and training, you’ll also need to be an expert-level snowmobiler already before you venture into the back country. As well, you also need to be your own mechanic. There’s no one to call if your sled breaks down.
Essential safety gear
While hypothermia and trauma from collision with a tree are always risks, the biggest hazard of the back country comes in the form of an avalanche. The following gear is essential to keep safe in avalanche terrain – if you know how to use it.
Beacon | When someone is buried in an avalanche, a signal beacon can lead rescuers to their location. This specialized equipment requires proper training and hours of practice to use effectively in a situation where seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
Probe | This collapsible pole allows rescuers to pinpoint the location of a burial victim. It can also be used to indicate various layers and depth of snowpack.
Shovel | This is the essential tool for digging out a buried skier. It also comes in handy when accessing avalanche conditions during ascent and digging a snow cave if you happen to be caught in the back country overnight.
Airbag pack | More and more back-country users are wearing backpacks that contain an inflatable pouch that can be deployed in the event of an avalanche to help keep them afloat and protect their head and neck from deadly impact.
Climbing skins | These grippy sheets of fabric stick to the bottom of your alpine touring skis or splitboard to allow for uphill travel in variable conditions.
In addition to sport-specific gear, all back-country travelers should be prepared at minimum with warm layers, water, high-calorie food, a headlamp, a helmet, a communication device (not a cell phone; there is no service in the back country) and a first aid kit.
