For many die-hard skiers, the backcountry is a welcome escape from everyday life. It’s there that we get away from the hustle and bustle of jobs and lift lines, reconnect with nature and find solace, whether on a mellow skin track or an adrenaline-inducing alpine adventure. This season, with new resort guidelines and reservation systems in place, more people than ever will venture into the wilderness to find their own escape. The equipment we’re featuring on the following pages is FREESKIER-approved to get you there and back safely. If you’re a backcountry aficionado, we trust you’ll find the perfect skis and tools here. If this winter will be your first time venturing into the backcountry, we’ve got the right gear for you here as well, but there are a number of other things to keep in mind before you head to the mountains.
Knowledge is king
You can spend your whole life skiing the backcountry and never stop learning. The first step is to take a certified avalanche safety course. Soak in the knowledge, share it with others and be observant throughout every day you spend in the mountains. Even tenured guides and professional athletes are continually learning about snowpack and mountain weather; every trip into the backcountry is a chance to further your understanding of safety.
Skis, boots and bindings do not complete the kit.
While these are essential pieces to hunting down untracked snow, avalanche tools—namely, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe—are equally important and could save your life, or somebody else’s, should something go wrong. Never enter backcountry terrain without these crucial tools. We encourage you to practice using them with friends to ensure everybody in your group is proficient.
You can never have too many snacks.
Duh. Food is your fuel. Stroop waffles, energy gummies and chocolate bars are all delicious—we recommend a couple Snickers bars, which save space in your pack and offer a quick-hit of sugary fuel. Also, real food, like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a classic ham and cheese are a nice reward after a long slog up the skin track.
Sometimes things break.
As skiers, we beat up our equipment day in and day out. Most of the time it can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’ but, every now and then, we push our gear over the edge. A multi-tool, knife, duct tape and zip ties will help you get back to the trailhead in most circumstances.
Start small.
We’re all eager to find a field of fresh, powdery snow or reach that aesthetic peak in the distance, but starting small will enable you to do it time and time again. Inevitably, that first blanket of snow that mother nature drops is just that, a thin layer covering the rocks and downed trees underneath. Tread lightly, get your legs into ski shape and work your way up to the bigger objectives.
From the FREESKIER Buyer’s Guide:
POC Fornix SPIN
Updated this year with SPIN Technology—POC’s proprietary solution to multi-rotational impacts—the popular Fornix helmet is better than ever. The full in-mold POC Fornix SPIN combines an extended PC shell with Aramid reinforcements and EPS foam for a strong, balanced headcase that better protects against sharp objects like big, nasty rocks. Spin the dial to wrap it snugly around your dome and utilize adjustable venting to keep your temperature regulated. All in all, the Fornix SPIN is a welcomed update to the acclaimed Fornix design.
Ospin Goggle
With a cylindrical lens from Zeiss that’s optimized for an extremely large field-of-view, this goggle inspires trust in vision. Interchangeable lenses make it easy for any user to switch to the right lens for prevailing conditions. Additionally, the triple layer face foam ensures comfort on even the coldest days.
Nivalis Sunglasses
Extra protection at the sides of the eyes and extra-dark lenses make the Nivalis an optimal choice for glacier and backcountry use. Adjustable temples ensure a personalized fit, snap-in hinges improve durability and hydrophilic rubber nose pads and temples give users a secure fit even during strenuous activities.
Aspire Clarity Sunglasses
The Aspire Clarity features a lightweight Grilamid frame that provides flexibility and durability. The glasses feature a hydrophilic rubber nosepiece and flexible temples to ensure a secure fit and Clarity lens from optical industry leader Carl Zeiss to control the color spectrum for enhanced contrast and color definition.
Orb Clarity Goggle
See more and see better with the Orb Clarity. Featuring Clarity lenses developed by optical industry leader Carl Zeiss, the Orb Clarity ensures enhanced vision in changing conditions. Innovative frame construction ensures field-of-view is maximized in all directions, complementing the toric lens shape that provides minimal distortion.
Obex BC SPIN Helmet
The helmet that can speak for you. Thanks to an NFC Medical ID chip, rescuers can get the information they need in an instant at the scene of an injury and provide you the best treatment possible. This helmet is designed for enhanced traceability and durability.
View more from POC in the FREESKIER Brand Guide
