Come winters and all my thoughts go into planning a decent travel that can be cherished and remembered in the days to come. Winter travelling has got its own freezing and melting points. If you have past experience in winter backpacking travel, then you can really make the best out of every future winter to come! Every winter a new mountain range beckons you to come explore its beauty and the new terrains it has to offer.

Being a sports enthusiast is even more beneficial. While you might yearn to break your own records in snow sports like snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, etc., it becomes highly essential to know the risks and conditions these majestic mountains bring along with them.

It is normal to expect an avalanche or glacier outburst, especially if the altitude is higher. The snow storm can be lethal in many ways. Being a mountain lover, I have undergone several training sessions that include certified avalanche courses. It is essential that you get the education and skills to recognize and avoid these killers before you venture out. Doing your homework is always the best way to avoid an unpleasant accident.

Complying with the local and land-use restrictions are necessary, even if you have infinite years of experience in the snow sports. Here are a few survival hacks and tips that might help you fight the toughest of situations.

Avalanche Air Bag Systems

These air bags might be of great help, but they do not provide any guarantee. It is simple chance with these air bags. However, it is always recommended that you carry one of these when engaging in any of the mountain adventures. Avalanches are a dangerous natural phenomenon. Having an air bag system once saved the life of a fellow skier. Hence, whatever, the chances of avalanches may be, I always keep an air bag system with me.

Watch out for the Sun

It is a myth that clear and sunny weather is ideal to measure the snowpacked mountains. With the sun shining bright in the sky, there are high chances of thermal radiation heating up the snow.

Slopes with skied tracks is a common sight when you set out for a skiing session. A proper assessment of the mountain, the slopes, and the surroundings is necessary before you head out for any adventurous fun. Precaution is always better than reaction and hence, do not rush pell-mell up the hill. Take your time and stay safe!

All you need to know about avalanches!

Never take small avalanches lightly! Fill yourself with proper and precise knowledge about avalanches before you set your foot on the snowcapped mountains. It is suggested that one should follow the weather forecast and weather patterns when planning to engage in a winter sport. Nature in specific mountains is unpredictable. You can’t say what will happen the very next moment. Hence, prepare for unforeseen consequences.

Good knowledge about avalanches is a plus point for any skier. However, knowledge and the implementation of the same are two different things. Practice makes perfect! This saying comes true when you are out to have fun on your backcountry trip. Take time to train yourself under experts and hone your decision making skills, while you ski on local terrains. Another important thing I would mention is that cross-questioning while you are being trained is never a bad thing. Nobody is born infallible. Never hesitate when you have a doubt. Fatalities can be avoided when you are not only well equipped, but also have a sound knowledge of the sport and the trivialities and risks it comes with.

For Experts

As mentioned above, there is no certainty when you are out exploring the snow fields. Skiing is like driving a car; you never know what comes next. The only thing you can do from your end is to take adequate precautions and be aware of your surroundings all the time. The basic rules are to be adhered by all, be it a rookie in the sport or a professional. The mountains are never biased. Due to various climatic reasons, spatial variability can exist in the Snow Mountains. Hence, the danger can appear at any moment, breaking out from any slope.

Keep your batteries going!

Backup transmitters and beacons should never be turned off, even when you take a short break in between. Turning off batteries can result in fatal consequences. One close friend had once forgotten to turn on the beacon after enjoying après-ski beers at the lodge and had a tough time fighting the uncertain emergencies.

Enjoying the snow is sometimes all you need! Staying inbounds during your backcountry trip is not a sin. There are no second thoughts that you can descend backcountry slopes with the same type of turns you learned at the downhill resort, but sometimes chilling and enjoying in the snow is all you want!