Brush up on rescue skills before the backcountry season begins.
Brush up on rescue skills before the backcountry season begins.

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are both significantly more dangerous than skiing or snowboarding on resort. As such, preparation for the season ahead should be more in depth, ensuring that you, your gear, and your partner(s) are ready for the winter. The Mountain Training Center provided 5 ways you can and should be preparing for the backcountry season.

The tips aren’t all that complicated. Make sure you refresh your avalanche knowledge, brushing up on weather and snowpack fundamentals. Get your gear in order, make sure you have everything you need, and ensure it all works. Conduct preseason beacon drills and partner rescue practice. Work on strength and endurance for uphill ski touring and downhill travel and, lastly, set objective, training days, and personal progression goals for the season ahead.

Nolan Deck is a writer for Unofficial Networks, covering skiing and outdoor adventure. After growing up and skiing in Maine, he moved to the Denver area for college where he continues to live and work...