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It's Tour Time in the Mountains: Gear Up with Confidence

Writer's picture: Paul TollefsonPaul Tollefson

Updated: Nov 2, 2024



What is in your Ski Touring Pack?
Gearing up for Touring

Venturing into the backcountry is an invitation to experience the mountains in their most unfiltered and awe-inspiring form. For those passionate about skiing and splitboarding, the thrill of untracked powder, rugged peaks, and serene wilderness is the ultimate reward. But with the beauty of backcountry terrain comes an undeniable reality: being prepared isn’t just optional; it’s essential. Beyond fitness and skill, the right equipment — especially avalanche safety gear — empowers us to explore with both joy and confidence.


The Backcountry Adventure Begins with Preparation


Imagine standing atop a remote ridge, gazing over untracked slopes of pristine powder. The journey to this moment, whether on skis or a splitboard, has likely been one of exertion, skill, and anticipation. For those who regularly tour, each moment is enriched by preparation. In the backcountry, carrying the right equipment and knowing how to use it doesn’t just add a layer of safety; it amplifies the experience, allowing you to focus on the pure joy of the ride.


As skiers and riders, we partner with the mountain, acknowledging its beauty as well as its unpredictability. That’s why we recommend essentials that make your backcountry experience safe and unforgettable — gear like avalanche airbags, beacons, shovels, and probes. As a Partner, our team is equipped with ORTOVOX avalanche safety gear but there are several top brands available to help ensure your backcountry safety. Let’s talk about that.


Key Equipment for Safe Backcountry Touring


1. Avalanche Beacons

   A beacon, or transceiver, is the heartbeat of avalanche safety. In the unfortunate event of a burial, a beacon transmits a signal that rescuers can use to locate the victim. Ortovox beacons, like the Diract Voice, stand out with intuitive designs and features like voice guidance, which helps skiers and splitboarders stay calm and efficient under high-pressure situations. Having a beacon — and practicing with it — builds confidence in knowing you can locate others or be located yourself in an emergency.


2. Avalanche Airbags

   When it comes to minimizing burial risk, an avalanche airbag can make a life-saving difference. Airbags are designed to help riders stay closer to the surface of snow during an avalanche. We find our Ortovox’s AVABAG Litric airbags compact yet powerful. Lightweight and rechargeable, they’re engineered with the needs of both skiers and splitboarders in mind. There are many on the market. 

The barrier to entry for most skiers and riders is the expense for a quality avalanche airbag. The question we need to answer is just how much is your life worth? (We may be able to help you save on your airbag purchase - reach out)

Wearing an airbag isn’t a bulletproof vest but it does increase your odds of making it home after an avalanche. It allows you to tour confidently, knowing you have a tool that could help increase your survival odds if conditions take a sudden turn.


3. Probes and Shovels

   If a companion is buried, every second counts — and a probe and shovel are critical tools for an efficient rescue. Today’s probes are lightweight, easy to assemble, and reliable in a high-stakes situation. Shovels are typically crafted from durable yet lightweight materials and are designed for fast digging in challenging conditions. With the right probe and shovel, you can quickly locate and extricate a buried skier or snowboarder, maximizing the chance of a successful rescue.


4. Backpacks, Layers, and Other Essentials

   Backcountry essentials extend beyond avalanche gear to include packs, extra layers, a spot for your food, and emergency supplies. You will find that most packs will include the volume in the name of the backpack. Balancing size with the type of touring you do most is essential. Most backpacks will integrate special compartments for everything from skins, avy gear, hydration to extra layers. When touring, a well-packed, efficient backpack provides peace of mind, knowing you’re equipped for changing weather or terrain.


Joy and Safety: The Empowerment of Being Prepared


Carrying avalanche gear might seem weighty, but it’s liberating. Knowing that you and your touring buddies  have the right equipment means you can focus on the beauty and excitement of your surroundings rather than worrying about the “what ifs.” Each piece of equipment is a companion in the backcountry, reinforcing your confidence and expanding the boundaries of your experience. 


Preparation and safety gear don’t dampen the adventure; they heighten it. With avalanche safety equipment on hand, you can channel your attention into the experience itself: the crunch of fresh snow beneath your skins, the exhilaration of carving through untouched powder, and the solitude that only remote mountain landscapes can offer. Safety, when embraced fully, becomes part of the thrill, part of the freedom to explore.


Practice and Knowledge: Turning Gear into Expertise


The best equipment is only as effective as the knowledge behind it. Before heading out, take the time to familiarize yourself with each piece of gear and its use. Practicing with your beacon, practicing assembling and using your probe and shovel, and practicing deploying your airbag ensures that you’re not just carrying these tools — you know how to use them. Take a class with us or another local organization committed to avalanche education and refine your skills in a supportive environment.

Check Your Avalanche Safety Gear
Avalanche Safety Equipment

Knowledge enhances every backcountry journey. Just as each turn, climb, and descent sharpens your skiing or riding skills, time spent learning your gear and understanding avalanche conditions deepens your experience. Building this level of preparedness is an investment in every adventure, enabling you to enjoy each moment with the assurance that you’re prepared for the unexpected.





Closing Thoughts: Tour with Joy, Equipped with Confidence


Backcountry skiing and splitboard touring are unique journeys, brimming with discovery, challenge, and beauty. In these raw, remote places, the right avalanche safety gear — from beacons to airbags — is not just a precaution; it’s a partner in adventure. When you are thinking about stepping into the wild go with the security and joy of being prepared. If you are seeking new equipment make sure to visit our GEAR PAGE. Our blog subscribers receive a substantial discount on all of our safety gear.


So, pack your gear, hone your skills, and let the mountains reveal their wonders. The adventure of a lifetime awaits, and with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to embrace it fully, safely, and with an open heart.

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