In the days before snowboarding was accepted at ski resorts, boarders took to the backcountry. Today, it’s still a great way to find fresh snow and avoid the resort crowds. In fact, snowboards perform very well in fresh snow. Thanks to their large surface area, a snowboard floats well in powder, riding atop it rather than sinking. And though there are specialized backcountry boards, many riders use their freeriding gear.
Of course, getting to the backcountry isn’t as easy as riding a chairlift. And whether you get there by foot (hiking, snowshoeing, skiing) or by helicopter, snowcat or snowmobile, you’re going to need more preparation.
Think Safety
Once on the mountain, you’ll need to be careful of rocks, tree wells, hidden streams, cornices and crevasses. You’ll also need to be aware of avalanche potential in the area. Avoid questionable areas. Don’t travel alone. Use a transceiver if possible. And always tell someone where you’re going.
While boarding, keep your eyes focused ahead and anticipate changes in snow consistency and the terrain such as trees, cliffs and flats. If a slope does not look safe, hike back out and find a safer route.
Be Prepared
Think like a backpacker while preparing for a backcountry snowboarding trip. In fact, you’ll need a backpack to carry all your gear. Dress in layers, and take extra clothing. Carry plenty of food and water, and the 10 essentials, and be prepared for extreme weather changes or any possible mishap.
Useful Gear
In addition to your normal snowboarding gear, consider these items:
Poles – Using poles can give you more stability while climbing. Collapsible poles will fit nicely in your pack for the descent.
Skis – Using Nordic skis for the ascent can be very effective, especially when creating a pace line with other skiers. They also make the trip through the downhill portion of undulating trails much quicker. The biggest disadvantages of skiing in are that you’ll probably need different boots for boarding, and skis are cumbersome when boarding out.
Skins – Using skins, uphill traction devices that are attached to cross-country skis, will definitely give you a better grip on the hills when ascending.
Snowshoes – Using snowshoes is easy and works well with snowboard boots. They’re lightweight, keep you on top of the snow, and are easily attached to a backpack for the descent.
Crampons – If the terrain is extreme, you may need crampons. Crampons attach to your boots and have metal teeth that grip snow and ice. Most crampons are step-ins, so you’ll need boots with toe and heel grooves to attach them.
Ice Axe – If crampons are needed, then so is an ice axe. The ice axe should be long enough to reach the ground while hiking, but short enough to strap to your backpack and not hit you in the head on the descent.
Backpack – A backpack with compression straps, ice axe loops and gear compartments will work well.
Other Gear
For glacier travel, be sure to take all your glacier gear – helmet, prusiks, pickets, flukes, ice screws, carabiners, harness and ropes.
For overnight snowboarding trips, you’ll need a larger backpack with all of your mountaineering gear – stove, fuel, cookware, 4-season sleeping bag, sleeping pad, 4-season tent, more food and more clothing.
Tip: When skiing in the backcountry and carrying a backpack you may want a larger board to compensate for the extra weight.
About the Author: Ilyas Kahraman is a toy collector and expert who writes about toys such as Japanese momiji dolls and Lalaloopsy Rag Dolls.