The idea of escaping into the wilderness, away from the crowds to enjoy untouched powder is becoming increasingly popular. People are branching out further and further off piste to find the hidden, untouched treasures of the mountains, but where do you start when beginning you first backcountry adventure?
Your transceiver leads to the probe, your probe leads to the shovel, your shovel leads to your friend. These three items are the most vital part of any backcountry skiers’ equipment; you should never step into the backcountry without them. With so many options on the market, finding the right avalanche safety set up can be difficult. To help clear the confusion and aid you in the decision, we have assembled a guide to walk you through everything you will need to know when purchasing avalanche safety equipment that could save your life.
The Duke Of Edinburgh's Award: Our Recommended Kit List
Preparation is key to a successful DofE Expedition. A well-planned route and slick navigation skills are crucial, but so is getting the correct gear and equipment. Here is our DofE kit list, which features solely Recommended Kit tested and shortlisted by DofE Staff and expedition teams.
Your bindings are your connection to your skis, transferring your movements from muscle to slope so it’s important to match your bindings to your skis, ski boots, and style for the best performance.
The fleece, a soft napped insulated fabric, is one of the go to garments for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether using it as an outer layer during a cool day or a part of a layering system on a cold day
Skiing powder should be like skiing on clouds. Soft, untouched snow helps skis glide over the surface; powder, however, can be a daunting prospect for a beginner, but there many who attempt the off piste before they master the techniques. University of Southampton Dry Slope Race Squad skier, Chloe Taylor, who learnt how to ski on her Winter Season 2015/16, shares her top tips for your first time skiing on powder.
With great conditions in much of the Alps and more fresh snow forecast this week, Dynastar ambassador Giles Lewis from The Development Centre, Val d’Isere, gives us his top tips on how to ski powder compared with firm snow, and how to make the most of fresh snow.
You weren’t made to sit still. When you take the 9-5 in your stride and escape to the outdoors in your precious free time, you need gear that will keep up. Your pack should see you from the streets to the hills and back again – and that’s where this lot come in.
It is deeply engrained within our human nature, especially in those who partake in our adrenaline-fuelled sports, not to follow the path set out for us. However, on the mountains and without the proper knowledge, ducking the rope and leaving the piste to find new and exciting routes presents a unique set of challenges and dangers.
If you’re boldly exploring the backcountry this winter, avalanche awareness and the correct safety equipment are lifesavers in the event of an emergency in unmarked and unpatrolled territory. Stay safer off-piste this snow season, with these five backcountry skiing and snowboarding essentials:
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