BCA Backcountry Basics

No name rings bells in the backcountry like BCA. The company puts affordable, durable safety gear in the hands of everyone from guides and pro skiers to amateur backcountry riders getting a feel for the terrain. 

This 5-video series focuses on the principles of “Know Before You Go” avalanche safety:

Get the Gear:

First things first: without an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe, you shouldn’t even be thinking about stepping out into the backcountry. A BCA Float Pack isn’t a bad idea, either. 

Get the Training:

Do you know how to make decisions in the backcountry? Have you, at the very least, taken an Avalanche Level 1 class? Go to www.avalanche.org to find a class near you.

Get the Forecast:

Always check your local avalanche forecast before you go out. It’s best to check these sites regularly all winter long so you have a solid understanding of the snowpack.

Get the Picture:

Analyzing avalanche terrain on the way down is key, but you’ve also got to be smart about your approach. As Colter Hinchliffe mentions in the video, you want to have a comprehensive understanding of the terrain you’re navigating. 

Get out of Harm’s Way:

Most importantly, get out of harm’s way. All it takes is one mistake; better to live to ski another day.