PLAN YOUR VISIT
PLAY SAFE
THE UNTAMED BC WILDERNESS IS AN EXPLORERS DREAM. RIDERS WILL FIND MANY POPULAR AREAS VERY WELL SIGNED AND MAINTAINED. HOWEVER, EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE THE STAGING AREA YOU CHOOSE TO ENTER A BACKCOUNTRY ENVIRONMENT WITH INHERANT RISKS.
AVALANCHE SAFETY
Avalanches involving humans are preventable. Over 90% of avalanches are triggered by riders themselves or someone in their group. This means that YOU play an important role in reducing avalanche incidents by making good decisions. Learn more about recognizing avalanche terrain, what gear to carry (and how to use it!), where to get the essential training, as well as the mountain weather forecast and avalanche bulletin at Avalanche Canada.
TREE WELL SAFETY
BC’s deep winter snowfalls create treewell or snow immersion suffocation hazards. These happen when a sledder falls into the cavity created around the base of a tree or in loose deep snow and becomes trapped under the snow and suffocates. Learn what to do and how to prevent these incidents at DeepSnowSafety.
BACKCOUNTRY EMERGENCIES
Good preparation including training, trip planning, and carrying the right gear reduces risk in the backcountry. Despite best efforts, accidents may still happen. In BC, public rescue services are provided FREE by Search and Rescue professionals by calling 911 from your mobile phone or using a satellite-based emergency communications device. Remember, most wilderness areas in BC do not have cell phone reception. Learn more about winter safety at BCAdventureSmart.