Big Red Cats, based in Rossland, British Columbia, is renowned for its guided cat-skiing adventures, where snowcats transport skiers to untouched powder stashes in the rugged Monashee Mountains. Founded in 2005 by Kieren Gaul and his wife Paula, the operation emphasizes safety and thrill, catering to intermediate to advanced skiers seeking deep, untracked snow without the hike. Sadly, Kieren passed away in 2023 after a battle with cancer, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in Canadian backcountry tourism and a passionate advocate for safe skiing practices.
The video delves into a critical yet often overlooked safety tip: ditching wrist straps on ski poles when venturing off-piste. Why? In avalanche terrain, strapped poles act like anchors. If buried, the tumbling snow can yank your arms outward, making it impossible to “swim” to the surface, deploy an airbag, or protect your airway. Graphics in the primer illustrate how poles can drag you deeper into the debris flow, turning a survivable slide into a fatal one. Guides like those at Big Red Cats remove straps entirely to eliminate this risk—better to lose a pole than your life.
Beyond avalanches, straps pose dangers in tree wells and dense forests common in cat-skiing zones. A caught pole can wrench your shoulder, cause dislocations, or even tether you to a falling tree. The video shows real footage of close calls, emphasizing quick release for emergency maneuvers. On groomed resort runs, straps aid power transfer for efficient poling, but in the wild backcountry, they’re a liability. Kieren’s narration, drawing from his elite skiing background, makes these points hit home with Aussie charm and financier-like precision.
For aspiring backcountry enthusiasts, this primer is essential viewing. Big Red Cats offers multi-day packages with professional guides who enforce such protocols, ensuring fun without folly. Remember, preparation saves lives—watch, learn, and ski smart.
