Backcountry (by Neil McNab). For the snowboarder, not much beats the feeling of carving deep powerful turns in featherlight untracked snow. Once you carve that first deep powder turn that’s it, you’re hooked, there’s no going back from here and your journey into the Backcountry has begun. Today off piste and backcountry riding are more popular than ever before but if you’re going to join the search for that perfect descent you’d better get wise to the ways of the mountains and gain the knowledge that is necessary for safe passage amongst them. At the very least you’re going to need the essential avalanche search and rescue equipment, transceiver, shovel and probe and a backpack to carry them in. Here are some equipment tips to make your time in the backcountry a whole lot safer and more enjoyable for all.

Transceiver: This is the bare minimum for riding away from the groomed slopes and should be something you get used to wearing everyday, no exceptions. It is a transmitter and receiver that works on a frequency of 457Khz. All modern transceivers work on this same frequency and all are compatible with one another. Modern Digital transceivers can give directions and victim locations in the case of a search. The latest ones can even tell you how many people are buried and exactly where they are to within a meter! Whilst this new technology has come a long way and these transceivers are all about ease of use, the new digital transceivers are not fool proof and you need to practice with them until you’re happy with all the functions. With all transceivers it is important to have a very systematic approach to the search and to practice with your system until it is almost automatic. A time of emergency is not the time to be pulling out the manual!
Shovel: In the event of an avalanche rescue, time is of the essence and a transceiver is not going to be of much use without its partner the shovel. Snow shovels come in all shapes and sizes, a metal blade is preferable over a plastic one and your shovel should fit inside your pack. In the event of a fall shovel handles can be easily ripped off the outside of a pack without you noticing.
Probe: A probe is used to pinpoint the exact location of the victim after you have located the strongest signal with your transceiver. Statistics show that the use of a probe can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to locate and dig out a buried avalanche victim by telling you where to dig and how deep to dig. There are many probes on the market, some lighter than others some shorter, some longer. A probe of around 2 to 2.5 meters is the most useful.
Backpack: Your backcountry backpack needs to be large enough to hold at a bare minimum your shovel and probe. A moderate first aid kit, flask or drink bottle, snack and spare layers are also useful items to have with you. Try to fit everything in your pack whereever possible. On the outside you might need to carry walking poles, snowshoes or your board so make sure the straps are long enough and strong enough for your needs.
Snowshoes: Snowshoes are essential for wading through deep snow when you’re on your way out to access some serious backcountry dream lines. In the Alps a strong rigid snowshoe with a strong strap binding and crampon base is essential.
Poles: Extendable poles go hand in hand with a pair of snowshoes for a big Backcountry hike. There are many different types on offer, some twist lock, some flip. Flip lock poles tend to maintain their set length better than twist lock.

McNab snowboarding - the fine art of riding mountains since 1995
Established in 1995 by Neil McNab, McNab Snowboarding were the first British company to run specialist snowboard courses and today run an extensive year round program of Freeride Clinics and Backcountry Courses both in Chamonix and around the World.
Neil McNab is one of Britain’s most highly qualified and successful Freeride Snowboarders and one of the only Professional Snowboarders to hold both the (UIAGM) High Mountain Guides qualification and the (ISIA) International Ski and Snowboard Teaching diplomas.
www.mcnabsnowboarding.com
info@mcnabsnowboarding.com
http://mcnabsnowboarding.blogspot.com
Tel: 0141 416 3828