BACKCOUNTRY: TEN ESSENTIAL TIPS BEFORE YOU HIT THE TRAILHEAD

Make sure to brush up on trailhead etiquette before heading off on the skin track.

Before heading out into the backcountry, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some key etiquette guidelines. These general rules will not only keep you safe but also help ensure that everyone can enjoy the wilderness without causing harm to the environment or disrupting others. Here are ten essential tips before you hit the trailhead:

1. Obey All Posted Signs and Rules

Always respect local regulations, trail signs, and posted warnings. Stay on designated trails and areas, and make sure you are aware of any seasonal restrictions, wildlife, and avalanche risk levels. Additionally, never trespass on private property—respecting boundaries is crucial to maintaining good relationships with landowners and preserving access for future adventurers.

Leave no trace, and practice respecting your playground.

2. Respect the Environment and Practice Leave No Trace

Leave no trace is more than just a phrase; it's a fundamental responsibility for anyone spending time outdoors. Be mindful of the environment by avoiding damage to plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. Stay on established paths, pack out all of your trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Stick to the principle of "Take only pictures, leave only skin tracks."

3. Carpool to the Trailhead

Backcountry parking lots often fill up quickly, especially during busy seasons. Carpooling not only helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road, but it also cuts down on your carbon footprint and can foster a sense of camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. If carpooling isn’t an option, try to arrive early to secure parking and avoid congestion.

4. Park Responsibly

When parking at the trailhead, always park perpendicular to the road, taking up as little space as possible. This ensures there’s enough room for others and reduces the risk of blocking other vehicles, especially during busy times. Be sure to follow any parking signs or regulations, as violations may result in fines, towing or future closures.

Allow for faster groups to pass, don't let your ego get in your way of good turns, and get too gassed before your descent.

5. Let Faster Groups Pass

If you’re ascending at a slower pace and notice faster groups approaching from behind, it’s courteous to allow them to pass. Step to the side of the track and make way for others to move ahead. This helps maintain a smooth flow on the skin track and ensures that faster groups can continue without disruption.

While snowshoeing is fun, it should be avoided on the skin and bootpack.

6. Don’t Snowshoe or Bootpack in the Skin Track

Skin tracks are specifically designed for skis or splitboards to travel uphill, Snowshoes and bootpacking can significantly damage the track, making it harder for others to ascend. If you're snowshoeing or bootpacking, try to stay off established skin tracks and create your own route.

Keep yourself and others safe by allowing each skier/rider enough space while traveling through avalanche terrain.

7. Travel One at a Time Through Avalanche Terrain

When you’re traveling through avalanche-prone areas, it’s crucial to minimize the risk to yourself and others. Travel one person at a time through avalanche terrain when avalanche hazards are present. This reduces the risk of triggering an avalanche and ensures that if an avalanche does occur, no more than one person is caught..

Moving observations are critical to ensure proper decision-making on a tour.

8. Step Off the Skin Track to Make Observations

If you need to assess snow conditions, look for signs of avalanche danger, or simply check your map, step off the skin track to do so. It’s important not to disrupt others by slowing down or blocking the track while you make observations. Take the time to carefully assess your surroundings while staying out of the way of those still climbing.

Navigating is a crucial skill when traveling in the backcountry. Keep yourself and others safe by staying aware of your route

9. Know Where You Are and Where You’re Going

It’s easy to get caught up in following someone else’s track, but always make sure you know your location, your route, and the terrain ahead. Don’t blindly follow someone else’s skin track; understand the conditions and plan your own path. This will help prevent unnecessary risk and ensure that you don’t end up lost or in a dangerous area.

While part of the allure of the backcountry is untracked freshies, be sure to respect others on the way down

10. Respect Others on the Descent

While it’s tempting to rip down the mountain after reaching the summit, always be mindful of those still climbing. Don’t descend on top of a group of skiers or hikers who are still working their way up the skin track. Make sure there is ample space and time for ascending groups to clear the area before you start your descent.

Backcountry etiquette is about more than just respecting others; it’s about maintaining the delicate balance between recreation and preservation. By following these basic principles, we can all contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience for ourselves and future adventurers. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the outdoors, remember that we share these spaces with others and with nature itself. Stay safe, be courteous, and enjoy the backcountry responsibly.