Your Checklist Before a Day of Backcountry Skiing
December 10, 2022Todd Passey

Your Checklist Before a Day of Backcountry Skiing

There is a lot to remember before every backcountry ski day. ITCOG founder and IFMGA guide Todd Passey shares a simple checklist framework to keep you organized and safe.

The Three Key Moments: Coffee, Trailhead, and Skintrack

There are three key times to run through your checklist: at coffee, at the trailhead, and on your way up.

1. Come Up With a Plan (At Coffee)

Start by checking the weather and reading the avalanche forecast. Once you understand the hazard and problems for the day, pull out the maps and build your plan. Match slope angles, aspects, and elevations to the day's avalanche hazards. Remember to consider your partners' knowledge, abilities, and risk tolerances.

This is not an easy task — it takes years of experience. Before skiing the backcountry on your own, take an Avy 1 course and spend a few days with a professional guide.

2. Beacon Check at the Trailhead

Make sure everyone's beacon is turned on and confirm battery life. Never leave the trailhead with less than 50% battery. Perform a range and function test on every beacon. Beacons should be worn in a harness or secure pocket — keep electronics at least 8–10 inches away.

3. Stay Alert on Your Way Up

Observe everything: feel what the snow is doing, poke your pole into the snowpack, look for layers. Note recent avalanches, cracking, or whumpfing. Your observations should continue all day and feed constantly into your decision-making.

The Full Checklist

Check Conditions

  • Read the avalanche forecast for your area
  • Check the weather forecast

Make a Plan

  • Match terrain to conditions on a map
  • Have a backup plan
  • Tell someone your plan (someone NOT with you)

Communicate With Partners

  • Confirm route and timing
  • Confirm gear — who carries what

Pack Your Gear

  • Beacon (on, turned on, batteries good)
  • Shovel + Probe
  • Skis, poles, boots
  • Layers: puffy, hardshell, soft shell
  • Light gloves + warm gloves
  • Hat, goggles, sunglasses, buff
  • Repair kit + first aid kit
  • Lunch + water
  • Sunscreen + lip balm
  • Navigation: phone, InReach, compass, map

At the Trailhead

  • Reconfirm route plan and timing
  • Verbal gear check
  • Beacon check

During Your Tour

  • Ask: are terrain and conditions consistent with the plan?
  • Look for signs of instability
  • Assess likelihood, size, and consequences of avalanche
  • Plan spacing, areas of safety, and escape routes
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