© Maarten Duineveld
Winter Activities > Alpine Ski
Alpine skiing is a perfect mental release while exploring the hundreds of kilometers of abundant wilderness anywhere from BC to NL. Keeping in mind to always ski responsibly ensures that all from beginner to advanced can safely set out on an alpine adventure.
It’s no secret that Canada possesses outstanding natural terrain people travel from across the world to experience. It should also be no secret that alpine safe skiing guidelines, especially for beginners still learning the basics of turning, balance and control, are essential.
Make sure you have equipment that is appropriate for your skill level, be aware of your limits and always leave a trip plan with someone you trust.
SAFETY TIPS
- Plan your trip and leave a Trip Plan.
- Check the weather and avalanche conditions in your area.
- Select trails that are within your ability and limits.
- Stay on marked trails and ski in the specified direction on one-way trails.
Taking The Essentials
- Flashlight
- Fire making kit
- Whistle or mirror
- Extra food and water
- Extra clothing
- Navigational / communication aids
- First aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Pocket knife
- Sun protection
Specific to Alpine Ski
- Layered clothing
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Hydration system
- Appropriate footwear
- Warm gloves and socks
- Hand/feet warmers
- Ski/boarding helmet
- Goggles
- Avalanche transceiver
- Shovel
- Probe
AdventureSmart STOKE Video (created by BC AdventureSmart)
No matter how you get out there during the winter; snowshoeing, skiing, touring, split boarding or snowmobiling, get informed beforehand and share the stoke by sharing our video!
Heading outdoors?
Start off, by being AdventureSmart.
Cool Links
WINTER SHELTER
What if you don’t have a tent Which one would you pick Heat loss is your greatest threat-finding or constructing a shelter to keep you dry and out of the elements is critical. Man-made shelters such as a lean-to, a tripod, a snow trench or quinzhee...
BC AdventureSmart Winter Safety Series: Special Guest
Our special guest list for our Winter Safety Series is stellar! Between now and Nov. 30 we'll be highlighting each guest and can't wait share our line up! _______________________________ Dr. Lewis is a practicing physician, outdoor guide,...
Winter Safety Series: Backcountry Touring
The second event of our Winter Safety Series starts with Dr. Renata Lewis of AirWolf Medical and Whistler SAR. She specializes in medical and safety support services for resorts, backcountry lodges, and adventure tourism operators in British...
BC AdventureSmart SAFETY SERIES: WINTER❄️
Starting November 30th! Over two weeks, our upcoming events will welcome 12 special guests who will share their outdoor passions, mountain knowledge and have stories to tell that will help you learn, laugh and get informed. Guests include:...
READY FOR THE NEXT STEP IN AVALANCHE SAFETY TRAINING?
Heads up: this post is not a substitute for actual avalanche skills training; please be safe out there. Sign up for an avalanche safety course in your area via Avalanche Canada or Avalanche Quebec. MEC has been a proud partner of Avalanche Canada for more than 25 years.
The Ultimate Checklist for Backcountry Skiers Before Heading Out
Having the right safety and ski gear can make the difference between a bad day out and the best day of your winter:
t’s almost backcountry season in Canada, so this is the perfect time to go through your gear, replace things, and get prepared for the winter. Whether you’re just going for one-day hits or planning a hut trip tour, use this list to bring what you need without getting too weighed down.
Things to note: daylight hours in the winter are way shorter than summer, so good lighting and spare batteries are essential. Bring lots of calories to help keep yourself warm.
Avalanche Canada Webinar Series: 21-22 Recognizing Avalanche Terrain and Trip Preparedness
Teamwork; that’s what this weeks webinar is all about with our friends at Avalanche Canada and it’s all for you! November 3rd's free seminar, presented by MEC , is all about; ❄️ how to use terrain to minimize your exposure to avalanches presented...
13 FT DEEP
13 FEET DEEP
“Little did I know what was coming,” writes Tim Banfield in this eye-opening and brutally honest account of he and a partner’s successful rescue of a friend that was buried 13 feet deep in an avalanche. Banfield recounts this tale for one reason: to share what he learned from a truly remarkable avalanche rescue in the hope that this information can help save lives.
The Dangerator
When a Forecast is Not Available
Estimating Avalanche Danger Rating with the Dangerator:
The Dangerator is a tool to help estimate an avalanche danger rating for your local conditions when there is no forecast to advise you. The Dangerator guides you through a two-step process of combining weather data and field observations to assess whether the danger is moderate, considerable or high. The Dangerator does not include low or extreme avalanche danger.
More Questions?
Write us a message
