Backcountry Snowboarding: How to Start Safely Like a Pro

Hey fam 👋 It’s Rhiselle here!
If you've followed my snowboarding journey on IG, you know there’s a special place in my heart for backcountry days. It’s raw, it’s quiet, and honestly—nothing compares to carving fresh lines with no one else in sight.

But real talk? The backcountry isn’t just a vibe—it’s a responsibility. So if you're thinking about stepping out beyond resort ropes, here’s your girl-to-girl (or bro) guide on how to start safely.

1. Avalanche Safety: Learn Before You Ride

Before you think about gear or maps, you have to understand avalanche risk. This isn't the part to “wing it.”

🔸 Take an Avalanche Safety Course

Start with AIARE Level 1 or your country’s equivalent. You’ll learn how to:

• Read avalanche forecasts and terrain traps

• Use a transceiver, probe, and shovel

• Understand snowpack stability and weather patterns

💬 Personal tip: Practice beacon drills with friends — speed matters in rescue situations, and most people aren’t fast enough at first.

🔸 Read Avalanche Reports — Every. Single. Time.

Use trusted sources like avalanche.org or your local forecast. You’ll get:

• Avalanche danger levels (Low to Extreme)

• Recent slide reports

• Snowpack + weather details

2. Your Backcountry Kit: What You Actually Need

Here’s my honest list — what I bring, what I wear, and why.

🎿 Core Gear:

• Splitboard setup (I use Weston or Jones — they rip downhill but climb like a beast)

• Skins that match your board (prefer mohair-nylon blend for grip & glide)

• Bindings (I ride Spark R&D, super responsive)

• Poles – collapsible, carbon if you want to save weight

• Avalanche safety kit – beacon, probe, shovel (non-negotiable)

🎒 Backpack (25–35L):

• Room for layers, safety gear, food, water, med kit, tools, etc.

• Mine: Ortovox Avabag w/ airbag system — optional but adds peace of mind

🧥 My Backcountry Outfit (Yes, Style Counts Too 😉):

• Snowverb Baggy Snow Jacket – lightweight, windproof, and has armpit vents that are clutch when hiking up

• Snowverb Baggy Pants – roomy fit = comfy layering + freedom of movement

• Merino base layers – not cotton (ever)

• Midlayer – packable down or synthetic jacket

• Shell – waterproof, windproof, but breathable

• Gloves – one warm pair + one lighter touring pair

• Helmet + goggles – even in the backcountry, protect that brain 🧠

3. Touring Skills: It's More Than Just Riding Downhill

You’ll hike more than you ride . Let that sink in. And you’ll sweat — a lot.

🥾 Learn to Skin:

• Practice kick turns — they look goofy but save energy

• Use heel risers for steep sections

• Manage your pace: slow and steady wins this race

🗺️ Route-Finding 101:

• Use Gaia GPS or FATMAP

• Study terrain the night before

• Identify avalanche-prone zones

• Plan your exit just as much as your line

💬 Pro Tip: Carry a printed map + compass. Phones die in the cold. And learn how to use both.

4. Know When to Say No ❌

Honestly, some of my best decisions have been not riding. Storms roll in, snowpack gets sketchy, or your body just says “nah.” That’s okay.

Listen to:

• Avalanche bulletins

• Your gut

• Experienced partners

No powder run is worth risking your life.

💬 Story time: I once hiked 3 hours for a line and turned around 10 minutes from the top because the snowpack felt wrong. Do I regret it? Not for a second.

5. Go With the Right Crew 💯

Backcountry is a team sport. Go with:

• People with avalanche training

• Riders who know the terrain

• Friends who communicate clearly

• And people who won’t pressure you to send something sketchy

Start simple. Take turns leading. Debrief after every tour.

FAQ 💬

Final Thoughts 💭

Backcountry snowboarding isn’t just a sport — it’s a mindset. It forces you to slow down, plan ahead, and ride with intention. And when done safely? It's life-changing.

Take the course. Build your kit. Ride with people who’ve got your back. And always, always respect the mountain.

Let’s make every turn a safe one 💙
— Rhiselle