- 1). Learn about avalanches. The best way to learn about them is to read about them in books such as "Snowstruck: In the Grip of Avalanches," by Jill Fredston, 2005, or "Avalanche Handbook" by P.A. and Peter Schaerer, 2006. Gaining as much knowledge as possible will help you better understand what you learn in an avalanche-safety course.
- 2). Take a course on how to evaluate snow pack. These types of courses will also teach you how to work an avalanche beacon and do a search and rescue in avalanche terrain. Take a certification course by the American Avalanche Association. There are level 1, 2 and 3 courses, and through these courses you will become a certified avalanche rescue technician in your corresponding level. A list of AAA certified instructors can be found at americanavalancheassociation.org.
- 3). Learn to use skins. Skins are the fuzzy nylon strips that you stick to the base of your skis to gain traction when going uphill. These can only be used with AT (alpine touring) or telemark bindings. If you have regular alpine bindings that do not allow your heel to lift up freely for the ascent of a backcountry slope, then you may want to consider getting AT bindings and boots. Otherwise you will have to carry your skis the entire way and it will be slow going. Make sure your skins are the right size for your ski bases or they won't work optimally. Have a ski technician at your local gear shop size them for you if you unsure about cutting them yourself the first time.
- 4). Dress properly for the backcountry. It is no joke in the winter backcountry, you must come prepared. There won't be any lodges to ski to and warm up with a hot chocolate in front of a fireplace. You will carry your own stove, and make your own hot chocolate on long trips. Wear moisture-wicking layers for your base layers so that you keep the dampness off your skin. Dress in layers so you can adjust throughout the day. Skinning up, you will want to be well-ventilated and try not to soak yourself with sweat too much. On the downhill and at the end of the day, bulk up in your heavier middle and outer layers. If you have a base layer that is wet, replace it with a dry one as soon as you settle in at camp. Down, fleece, and synthetic materials that mimic down are best to have. Always have waterproof pants and shell jacket as well. Shell layers that have ventilation zippers are best. Being wet can kill you in the backcountry, but so can being dehydrated. You must drink as much as you can while you are working hard out in the cold.
- 5). Follow backcountry ethics. Using the backcountry as your playground comes with some conditions. You must use "leave no trace" ethics. The hope is that everyone in the backcountry will use minimum-impact practices and, if possible, leave it better than how they found it. People go to the backcountry to ski because it's less crowded and, in some instances, completely untouched. Try to keep it that way.
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