Back country snowboarding and skiing has its thrills but also has its dangers. In fact, its so dangerous that all ski resorts around the country post signs that advise the adventurous to stay within the resort boundaries and anyone leaving would be doing so at their own risk. Going out at all is dangerous but Going out alone is downright reckless. Having the proper gear and emergency items could mean the difference between life and death. In this article I will discuss how to be prepared when disaster strikes.
Utah man dies in avalanche behind Park City
Kevin Steuterman, a 31 year old man from Clinton, Utah was snowboarding along with his skier girlfriend in back country terrain outside the Park City Mountain Resort boundaries, on the canyons village side in an area known as the Dutch Draw.
According to the report from the Utah Avalanche center, after riding the 9990 chairlift, the couple left the resort boundaries and hiked along the ridge line to the top of silver peak. Steuterman started down the line called Conehead and about halfway down, the skier started her descent.
After two turns, an avalanche broke at the skiers feet. While the skier was able to avoid the avalanche, Steuterman was caught, carried and buried. There is no way of knowing who caused the avalanche or if it was a combination of both.
You can read a news article on the tragedy here.
Neither one of them had the proper back country gear necessary for that kind of adventure like a shovel, beacon, avalung or a float pack device designed to keep you on top of the avalanche.
Proper planning for back country snowboarding
Proper planning goes a long way when going on an adventure. Especially back country skiing or snowboarding. Honestly, it sounds very thrilling and its fun to watch those videos of people screaming down a mountainside on their boards sometimes being chased by an avalanche. It also scares me to think of me doing it. Only professionals should be doing it and you know they are professionals by the way they prepare for the extreme danger and possibility of injury.
Tell someone what you are doing. In case you get lost or stuck somewhere, they will know what kind of danger you were in and area you were in to have you looked for. Let them know how long as well. Its is always a good idea and should be part of any ones adventure plans, to tell someone the who, what, where, when and why’s of your plans.
Check the local avalanche warning center website or telephone number for any warnings or reported dangers in the areas you will be going into. You can also check with the resort for any information on the same subjects.
Proper gear for back country snowboarding
Personal protective equipment and survival gear or devices should also be mandatory in any ones back country plans. A shovel, beacon, small map of the area, emergency blanket, trail mix or nutritional bars, headlamp, small first aid kit, snowshoes, an Avalung and a float pack.
A beacon will emit a locator signal if you are buried or lost. It can be an invaluable device to save your life.
Emergency blanket and headlamp will be essential if you’re out or lost after dark and a map of the area will help you stay oriented with landmarks and locations of mountains and resorts.
An Avalung is a breathing apparatus that keeps the carbon dioxide away from your face. Breathing through a tube with a bi-valve intake box it pulls oxygen from the snow pack and exhausts the carbon dioxide away from the users face at the hip. Floatpacks are small backpacks that have a ripcord to an instantly inflatable balloon, making the wearer bigger and float to the top during an avalanche.
Having a beacon and probe are probably the most important items to have. There are many different brands but I suggest this backcountry access set for $299. 95. Here is a link for these suggested items.
Also suggested is a floatpack to keep you above the snow during an avalanche. There are many different brands to chose from but i am suggesting this one by Scott Backcountry Patrol for $899. Here is the link.
A shovel will come in very handy to dig your partner out of the snow if caught in an avalanche. Just about any small or collapsible shovel will do. I suggest this collapsible one by Yukon for $27.09. Here is the link for it.
These are just some of the items highly recommended for backcountry snowboarding or skiing, but I feel they are the most important.
The buddy system
The buddy system is something that has been taught for a long time for preparedness and in the Boy Scouts of America as well. It is a system of having a second person, of whom you trust, that accompanies you on adventures or tasks like at work even and can raise the alarm or alert someone if you are hurt, lost, in danger, an extreme situation or help you in various situations.
The Buddy system is one of the smartest and most important things you should consider using in a backcountry skiing and snowboarding trip.
Saving your own life or the life of another
Something as simple as being prepared with the right gear and the right planning could just save your life or the life of another. Be safe. Always let someone know where you’re going, always plan out your trip and always have the proper gear with you. Had they had the proper gear the tragedy of Steuterman may have been avoided.
I hope this information was helpful. If you have any thoughts, comments or additional input please comment below.
Thanks
