There are a lot of ways to explore outside in the winter, whether you prefer to ski or snowboard at a resort, snowshoe around the local trails, or take it to the next level and head out into the backcountry. Let’s talk about some ways to keep you and your companions safe when out in the snow.
When going to a resort or local trail, it’s easy to feel safe because you’re around others or in a popular area. While this is definitely true, there are still things you can do to make sure everyone goes home in one piece. For example, always make sure you’re prepared to spend time outside, regardless of where you are, and there’s a few different ways to do this. First off, make sure you’re clothed properly! Wool base layers and mid layers are crucial to staying warm and dry in the winter, try to avoid cotton as it takes a while to dry and doesn’t do a great job at insulating. Waterproof outer layers are also crucial to keep you shielded from wind and cold temps, but don’t forget some good socks! Wool is, again, the best choice to stay dry and warm and it’s always a good idea to bring a back-up pair just in case.
If you’re out on a trail, it’s an excellent idea to bring a small first aid kit with you in case you or someone you’re with falls or gets a dreaded blister. Below are some basic first aid kit items that are easily accessible and small enough to keep in your pack.
Basic First Aid Items
1: Band-aids are useful for more than just covering up a cut, they can be used for blister protection in a pinch and help keep dirt and other germs out of wounds. Bringing a few different sizes is always a good idea, but you can always cut up bigger ones to the size you need. If you’re going on a long trip, an ace bandage or something similar is a great thing to have not only to help splint an injury, but can also be used to carry anything you need.
2. Hand sanitizer or isopropyl alcohol- always good to have to clean out any wounds or to use on your hands before a snack break or if you need to go “admire nature by yourself” if you catch our drift.
3. Speaking of bathroom needs, ladies this one is for you! There are some great products out there that can help with your bathroom breaks, such as the Kula Cloth that is anti-microbial on one side and can clip easily to your pack so it’s always accessible. A handheld shovel is small enough to keep with you in case of a bathroom emergency.
4. Basic medicine is always important to have, something simple like ibuprofen or aspirin that can help with pain management or even help break a fever.
5. Some gauze pads and adhesive tape are also excellent multi-use items to keep in your pack. Gauze can be used to patch over wounds, and tape has many uses while you’re in the outdoors, a great tip is to wrap the tape around a lighter so you always have some and it’s an easy tool to start a fire; should you need to.
Check out this link for other first aid kit ideas!
Now, let’s talk about safety when you’re out in the backcountry. The most important thing to remember when heading out into a remote area, is to always let a few people know where you’re going, how long you’re going to be, and your estimated time back to your car, campsite, or wherever your final destination is going to be. You should also never go out in the backcountry alone, especially in the winter, due to the risk of avalanches and rapidly changing temperatures.
Second, if you’re going to be in remote wilderness, it’s really important you pay attention to the forecast. Heavy snow followed by warm temperatures can lead to slides and potentially avalanches, so be sure to check the weather daily leading up to your trip. Heavy snow the day of your trip can lead to low visibility, so a handheld GPS device (like this Garmin Inreach), is an excellent idea. Satellite devices can be pricey, so an excellent alternative is download your route and directions directly to your phone, as well as letting others know where you’ll be and the time you’re estimated to be back so they can alert someone if you haven’t reached out by the designated time.
Now, what you need to bring in the backcountry with you obviously depends on the activity you’re doing, but there are still some basic things everyone should bring when out in the snow. The following items are very important for every group to have, which is why it’s reccomended to go with a group so you don’t have to shoulder all the gear (and expenses) on your own!
1: Avalanche probe and shovel. The probe is an excellent tool that can help you determine the depth and quality of the snow you’ll be hiking/touring/skiing on; this one here is collapsible to be easily stored in your pack. A shovel is again one of those tools that have multiple uses; to dig a cat hole, to dig a snow shelter, or to potentially dig someone out if they were to get trapped in a slide. Most backcountry shovels are also collapsible and easy to strap on the outside of your pack.
2: A Beacon is another one of those items that is expensive, but is incredibly important for everyone to have in case there is an avalanche and you or someone in your party gets swept away. Beacons are transceiver devices that can transmit a constant signal while traveling, and can switch into “search” mode to find someone buried in the snow. A lot of ski clothes are also equipped with RECCO tags now, so even if your friend doesn’t have a beacon, they can still be found. It’s a recommended principle that those without a beacon should stay with someone with a beacon just in case.
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time in the backcountry, taking an avalanche safety course is an excellent way to learn some skills and fine-tune others. Most avalanche classes are open to the public, and there’s usually a few dozen every winter season in many areas. Check out the American Avalanche Institute for classes near you, safety tips, and articles like this one!
Have a great time out in the backcountry, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view every once in a while and take pictures to share with your friends and family back home!
