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Winter Activities > Backcountry Touring

The best part of Canada in winter is the vast hinterland areas that invite you to explore the countryside. Whether you are telemarking or hiking, on your snowboard or snowshoes, there is unlimited terrain for you to get out and play on! While beautiful, the Canadian hinterland is isolated and can be unpredictable. Bad weather and avalanches are two of its main dangers. For any backcountry travel, you – and everyone in your party – must therefore be self-sufficient. If you are traveling in avalanche terrain, make sure that you and your group also have adequate avalanche training. Whatever sport you choose – skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling – always be well prepared before you go.

SAFETY TIPS

Understand and recognize weather phenomena.
Make sure you can read the mountain terrain.
Know the dangers of avalanches.
Take an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel with you.
Check the weather conditions before you go

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 Back Country Ski Touring

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

BC AdventureSmart Winter 2024-25 Events

Oct 25, 2024

November 20, 2024: 20th ANNIVERSARY EVENT – BC AdventureSmart Celebrate with us ONLINE! It’s our pleasure to officially invite you to our BC AdventureSmart 20th anniversary celebration, via webinar! We'd be delighted to have you join us as we...

This holiday season understand cold water shock..

Nov 17, 2023

It's that time of year again for Swift Water Rescue and Ice Rescue teams across Canada to test their gear and get trained as in-land water (such as lakes and rivers) begin to ice up for the winter. WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAK THROUGH: Do not panic....

AdventureSmart Events | Winter 2022 – 2023

Nov 15, 2022

Event: BC Search and Rescue Says “…. “ Guests: Lions Bay Search and Rescue, North Shore Rescue, Grand Forks Search and Rescue Date: Thursday, December 01, 2022 Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PST Location: Online Register: SEE HERE Details: BC...

WINTER SHELTER

Jan 21, 2022

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...

ICE SAFETY

Dec 17, 2021

“It’s that time of the year, when it's tempting. Know what you do and get training if you don't!” - Yukon Search and Rescue “Fast-moving rivers freeze at different rates, and are more unpredictable than lakes and ponds.” “If you plan to be out on...