CAN I SNOWMOBILE WHEN AVALANCHE CONDITIONS ARE HIGH?
You’ll see an outpouring of concern in mainstream media publications when avalanche conditions are volatile. Those unfamiliar with winter recreation scream for a full closure of the backcountry thinking that anyone who is out enjoying the winter snowfall is simply asking for a fatality. But is there a way to safely enjoy snowmobiling in the backcountry during high avalanche conditions? The answer is yes with the correct training, decision making, gear and choice of terrain for the day.
Ask yourself this question...Do you have at least an Avalanche Skills Training (AST1) and are you prepared to practice effective terrain management to mitigate the risk of avalanche exposure? If the answer is no, then please stay home, and live to sled another day. If the answer is an enthusiastic yes, well then keep on reading!
Avalanche skills training is always an eye opening and sometimes humbling experience for those taking it for the first time. Simply having “common sense” doesn’t cut it, especially in relation to avalanche education and backcountry safety. The saying is true, you don’t know until you know, for that is exactly what happens when you take your avalanche skills training level one for the first time. After the classroom portion of the class you’ll probably think back to times where you have unknowingly put yourself or others in harm's way and shudder. If you are riding in the mountains, you need a minimum of AST level one delivered by a reputable instructor, plain and simple. Snow science has come a long way and technology has also evolved creating more insight, understanding and a more effective way to manage terrain. Get the gear, and then get the training, which will help teach you how to utilize your avalanche safety gear effectively, and how to choose your terrain wisely to avoid potential avalanche situations all together.
We do understand it can be difficult for some riders who live a great distance from the riding areas they enjoy. Planning trips around work and family schedules can get tricky, so when you finally head out to the mountains you want to make it worth your time and effort. This single trip could be the much anticipated highlight of your year, but it unfortunately falls during a time of dangerous snowpack conditions. You don’t want to bail on your friends, lose money for your hotel reservation or miss out on what perhaps could be a once in a lifetime adventure so cancelling isn’t an option in your mind. We suggest you skip down to things to enjoy in BC when the Steep and Deep are off limits!
Be flexible out there, and not super destination-oriented. Throughout the day, let the snowpack show you signs and choose your routes accordingly. There can be a multitude of factors that affect the snowpack even in a relatively small distance, so pay attention to the snow throughout the day, and dig a pit to get a more clear picture of what’s going on beneath the surface. You may not complete the loop you were hoping for, or enter the zone you wanted to hit all season, but that’s ok. Remember, the mountain isn’t going anywhere so have patience. You can hit that zone or run that loop when conditions are more stable.
So the Steep and Deep are off limits...now what?
Glad you asked! There are oodles of ways to stay safe riding during unstable avalanche conditions.
You can simply tap er cool on mellow slopes such as cutblocks, meadows, trails, power lines and pipelines avoiding potential avalanche paths and terrain.
How about taking a relaxing trail ride, perhaps brushing up on your photography skills? When you slow life down a little bit, and really pay attention to your surroundings, you’d be surprised at the raw beauty and inspiration the BC backcountry provides. The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail is a perfect example!
You can take a course! Many AST providers have classes throughout the winter months with room for an individual or two!
Hire a guide who can keep you safe by helping you avoid avalanche terrain because of his local knowledge and training. Ensure your guide is a professional with insurance, training, and a legal tenure to guide. Don't be afraid to ask for proof of these things.
Ice Fishing! British Columbia boasts some magnificent mountain lakes that can only be accessed by snowmobiles in the winter months. Brook, Rainbow and Cutthroat trout are common along with Ling Cod, Northern Pike and Kokanee Salmon.
You can polish up rusty skills, even carving or sidehilling on your weaker side (oh come now, we all have a less dominant side) in terrain that is simple and mellow. Get those skills rocking so they’re ready when you need them most. .
Build some jumps! This is an exciting activity for high avy days. You’re totally in control of the height of the jump and can modify it as you see fit throughout the day.
Spend some quality time with the family! Not every ride has to be the incredible journey now does it? Get the kids out, and enjoy your family time riding, or perhaps being the snowmobile chair lift for their ski or tobogganing runs.
Mentor a new rider - What an optimum time to tap er cool, and introduce a new rider to the sport. Staying in very conservative, simple terrain you’ll be surprised how fulfilling mentoring new riders into the sport can truly be.
These are just a few suggestions of ways to enjoy the backcountry during extreme avalanche conditions. It is important to make note that it’s ok to not ride if you feel hesitant or uncertain. The mountains truly are not going anywhere. Avalanche Skills Training Level One is the bare minimum riders should have when riding the mountains of British Columbia. You can find accredited snowmobile specific instructors on the Avalanche Canada Website.
