With winter in the air one thing comes to my mind. Backcountry riding in the ophiolite mountains with my snowboard. Â As mountains cover themselves with a white sheet and we finally leave behind the mud and gloomy colours I get excited. Yes, you do have to dress up and shovel but it’s all worth it when you are choosing which line to ride down. Backcountry riding is what makes Canada and Newfoundland so unique, read about my top spots here. However, you do have to be ready for it. Here are the 3 most important things; Learn, Pack and Practice.
Learn
Firstly I would highly suggest to do at least an Avalanche Skills training (AST) before heading out backcountry riding. I did my AST with Avalanche Canada. Avalanches not only happen in high peaks like the famous Himalayas, Rockies, Alps or Andes. Even Newfoundland sees avalanches throughout winter.
Also, if you are lucky to live in an area with an Avalanche Center make sure to subscribe to their avalanche bulletins. Unfortunately we do not have one for Newfoundland but I tend to refer to Avalanche Quebec since the Gaspesie sees similar weather patterns. Click here to subscribe to their bulletins.
Pack
Furthermore, pack up your backcountry riding bag with a few essential items before venturing into the mountains. I highly recommend carrying the following items:
-A shovel, probe and beacon
-Some extra warm layers
–Mini first aid kit, headlamp, knife and lighter
-Snacks and water
And the most important one of all, your FRIEND(s), Never Ride Alone.
I tend to always carry my camera to capture those good times along with my SPOT since cell reception in Newfoundland can be non-existent in the backcountry.
Practice
Lastly, practice and go out in the mountains. Although one can learn a lot of information from books or YouTube videos, there’s nothing like the feel and sound of the snow. Go out with some friends and do some simulations. Practice a few searches, digging techniques as well as evacuation simulations. The more time spent outside the more you tune with them. Quickly you will start recognizing which areas are more prone to avalanches and where the best backcountry riding can be found throughout the winter season.
Learn, pack well and practice before going backcountry riding. If you want to read about Wildly Intrepid’s snowboarding adventures click here.
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem
Alex
